columbus Blue Jackets 2025-2026 Season Preview: New Faces, Key players, and Outlook
The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for the 2025-2026 NHL season with a mix of new additions and returning stars. Following a period of roster adjustments, the team looks to build on its offensive capabilities and compete in a challenging Metropolitan division.This preview details the key changes, notable players, and overall outlook for the upcoming season.
Offseason Transactions: Arrivals and Departures
The Blue Jackets saw significant roster movement during the offseason, bringing in new talent while saying goodbye to several familiar faces.
Additions:
Miles Wood (Forward): Signed on June 27, 2024, the 29-year-old wood is expected to add speed to the fourth line. In 37 games last season, he recorded eight points (four goals, four assists) https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-sign-miles-wood/c-347519992. He is projected to play alongside Isac Lundeström.
Isac Lundeström (Forward): The 25-year-old center signed a two-year contract on July 1, 2024, and is anticipated to anchor the fourth line. He registered 15 points (four goals, eleven assists) in 79 games with the Anaheim ducks last season https://www.nhl.com/news/isac-lundestrom-signs-with-blue-jackets/c-347641644.Departures:
sean Kuraly (Forward): Kuraly signed a two-year contract with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2024, ending his four-season stint with the Blue Jackets https://www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-sign-sean-kuraly/c-347639996.
James van Riemsdyk (Forward): The veteran forward agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings after recording 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 71 games during the 2023-2024 season https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-sign-james-van-riemsdyk/c-347640002.
Daniil Tarasov (goaltender): Traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Tarasov had a record of 7-10-2 with a 3.54 goals-against average and .881 save percentage in 20 games (19 starts) last season https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-acquire-daniil-tarasov/c-347640008.
Justin Danforth (Forward): Moved to the Buffalo Sabres after registering 21 points (nine goals, twelve assists) in 61 games last season https://www.nhl.com/news/buffalo-sabres-sign-justin-danforth/c-347640010.
Key Players to Watch
The Blue Jackets boast a strong core of offensive talent expected to lead the charge in the 2025-2026 season.* Zach Werenski (Defenseman): Werenski is a cornerstone of the Blue jackets’ defense and offensive attack. He led the team in scoring in 2024-202