With 17 days left in the regular season, the East wild-card race tightens as the Flyers, Senators and Red Wings chase the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final playoff berth, highlighted by a full Tuesday slate of games with key implications for playoff positioning.
Ryan Johansen announced his retirement after a 13-season NHL career highlighted by an All-Star year with Columbus and a central role in Nashville’s 2017 run to the Cup Final. Drafted fourth overall in 2010, he peaked with 71 points in Columbus before a trade to Nashville in 2016 and a lengthy eight-year contract that later declined in production amid injuries, including a hip issue that helped end his career. He also had stints with Colorado and Philadelphia, and finished with just over 900 games and 578 points, with 362 points for Nashville ranking sixth in franchise history.
On March 17, 2026 in Columbus, Andrei Svechnikov is expected to return for the Hurricanes against the Blue Jackets after missing practice with a minor issue; the lineup could see Eric Robinson in Svechnikov's spot with Nic Deslauriers potentially debuting, Gostisbehere out with a lower-body injury, and Brandon Bussi starting in net.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild have inquired with the Chicago Blackhawks about Nick Foligno. Foligno, a longtime Blue Jacket captain who played 599 games for Columbus, would be a low-cost veteran depth addition; Columbus wouldn’t need Chicago to retain his $4.5M cap hit, while Minnesota could use him as depth on the hunt for a top-six center, though cap-space and retention logistics—especially with Chicago’s retention slots filled—could complicate any deal and might require a third team. If acquired by Minnesota, Foligno could even line up with his brother Marcus, adding an interesting dynamic to the scenario.}
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Egor Zamula to a one-year NHL contract for the 2025-26 season, praising his mobility, size, and puck-moving ability, with Zamula bringing experience from the Flyers and international success with Russia.
The Buffalo Sabres aim to set a franchise record with their 11th straight win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, in a crucial game for their playoff hopes, while Columbus looks to bounce back with key players returning from injury.
Several NHL players are sidelined due to injuries, including Anaheim's Vatrano out for six weeks with a shoulder fracture, Toronto's Tanev expected to miss significant time with a groin injury, and Blue Jackets' Werenski potentially returning soon after a lower-body injury. Other updates include injuries and status reports from the Devils, Sabres, and Flames.
Yegor Chinakhov was traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Danton Heinen, along with draft picks, as part of roster adjustments by both teams.
The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Yegor Chinakhov to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Danton Heinen and draft picks in 2026 and 2027, aiming to bolster their organizational depth and draft capital.
Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders was fined the maximum $5,000 for slashing Columbus Blue Jackets' Mason Marchment during a game on December 28, 2025, with the incident occurring in the second period and resulting in a major penalty and game misconduct.
Mason Marchment was traded from the Seattle Kraken to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2026, as part of ongoing NHL team roster adjustments.
The Minnesota Wild is scheduled to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena, with a projected lineup including key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Jesper Wallstedt, though the lineup may change.
The Minnesota Wild are set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in an upcoming NHL game, with the Wild holding a strong record of 20-9-5 and aiming to bounce back after losing the previous series opener to Columbus. Key players and recent transactions are highlighted, along with historical performance and injury updates.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, riding a four-game winning streak, will host the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, with Hall of Fame inductions and game details provided. The Penguins aim for their first five-game winning streak since November, with key players and lineups outlined, and the game broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 105.9 The X.
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced their preseason lineup for the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena, with details on players and viewing options.