The Columbus Blue Jackets are in a rebuilding whirlwind, juggling high-stakes trades, leadership voids, and looming contract decisions as they chase their first playoff berth since 2020. They’ve added Valeri Nichushkin and Ryan Lomberg for firepower and grit, but lost key leaders Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment. Star players like Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski are rumored to be on the move, while young talent Kent Johnson is also in trade talks. With restricted free agent Adam Fantilli’s future hanging in the balance — potentially tied to what Connor Bedard gets — the team’s path to the postseason is clouded by uncertainty. Despite financial flexibility, Columbus isn’t a magnet for free agents, and with a brutal Eastern Conference ahead, making the playoffs will demand a massive leap forward.

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Columbus Blue Jackets lock in forward Luke Tuch with a two-year deal, aiming to revive his NHL career after a tough AHL stint. Signed just weeks after acquiring him from Montreal, Tuch will earn $850K his first season and $900K the next, with AHL pay scaled down. At 24, the power-forward — brother of Capitals’ Alex Tuch — brings physicality and penalty-killing prowess, having played college ball at BU and spent time with Laval Rocket. Though he’s yet to secure a regular NHL spot, Columbus sees potential in his development, likely starting him with the Cleveland Monsters. With the team building a tougher roster, this move could be the fresh start Tuch needs to break through — and maybe even earn a call-up by 2026-27.

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Columbus Blue Jackets drop their 2026-27 home opener date—October 1, 2026, against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena—and they’ll be the only team playing a home opener this season, making it a must-watch event as the team finalizes key roster moves ahead of the new campaign.

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