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The Columbus Blue Jackets joined the NHL in 2000 as an expansion franchise alongside the Minnesota Wild. Their first game was a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 7, 2000. For the first 12 years of its history, the team played in the Western Conference before switching to the Eastern Conference for the 2013-14 season. The franchise struggled during the early part of its history and didn’t reach the postseason until 2008-09. In total, the team has made six postseason appearances and has advanced past the first round once. 

Remembering Johnny Gaudreau’s Impact on New Jersey’s Hockey Community
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On Aug. 29, 2024, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were fatally hit by a suspected drunk driver. The two were riding bikes on a road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, the night before their sister’s wedding. Both were slotted to be groomsmen for their sister on her special day. While the devastating and unimaginable reality was dealt to the Gaudreau family and NHL community, “Johnny Hockey,” put New Jersey on the map with the capability of developing NHL-level talent. Gaudreau’s Connection to the Garden State Gaudreau grew up in Salem, New Jersey, a small town…

Gaudreau Family, Blue Jackets Kept Promise of Perpetuating John & Matthew’s Lasting Legacy
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One year later, it still doesn’t feel real. It was on August 29, 2024 that the very foundation of the hockey world was shook to the core. On that day, the hockey world lost two of its brightest lights. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were tragically killed while riding their bikes by a suspected drunk driver. They were home in New Jersey at the time to be a part of their sister’s wedding the next day. The suspected drunk driver, Sean Higgins, was arrested as he was behind the wheel of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that struck the brothers. He failed…

2025 Blue Jackets’ Summer Q&A: Boone Jenner
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Columbus Blue Jackets’ captain Boone Jenner has literally seen it all. As he enters his 13th season with the team that originally drafted him, he has enjoyed some of the highest of highs and some of the very lowest of lows during his time. Each game Jenner plays now will extend his own record of games played with the franchise. He will start the 2025-26 season just 59 games away from 800 in his NHL career. His next goal will be his 200th in his career. It is quite possible assuming Jenner plays for a few more seasons that he…

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Blue Jackets FAQ

What year were the Columbus Blue Jackets founded?

The Columbus Blue Jackets joined the NHL in 2000 as an expansion franchise alongside the Minnesota Wild.

When did the Columbus Blue Jackets play their first game?

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ first game was a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 7, 2000.

Who is the current head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets?

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ current head coach is Pascal Vincent.