Mike Stump

Mike Stump

Joined: May 22, 2024

Mike is a long-time CBJ fan who has been around since Day 1 of the franchise. He grew up in Columbus, went to college at Ohio State, Class of '19, and now works as a Claims Operations Supervisor in Auto Insurance. He brings the perspective of a long-time Jackets fan who somehow has not had the relentless optimism beaten out of him over the last 25 years.

Jan 25, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) hugs goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) after defeating Los Angeles Kings in overtime at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

What kind of record will it take for the Columbus Blue Jackets to make the playoffs?

Jan 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Dmitri Voronkov (middle) celebrates with center Sean Monahan (23) and right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Dmitri Voronkov looks like he's having fun on the ice, and that matters

The Blue Jackets nailed it with their Stadium Series jerseys

Jan 7, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) stands for the national anthem before playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Grading the Blue Jackets defense corps and goaltending at the halfway mark

Jan 27, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (40) looks at Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly (7) after a scrum in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Should the Blue Jackets look at trading for JT Miller or Elias Pettersson? What would it take?

Nov 15, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger (4) celebrates his goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Depth scoring has hounded for the Blue Jackets for weeks, taking a look at two key forwards to understand why

Mar 12, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Daniil Tarasov (40) replaces goalie Elvis Merzlikins (90) against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Goaltending is at a crossroads in Columbus: here's 3 scenarios where it could stand in 2025-2026

Oct 12, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson (91) celebrates his goal scored in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Kent Johnson is showing he can be an elite NHL forward, and it's glorious to watch

Nov 23, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) awaits the face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Adam Fantilli is facing a bit of a Sophomore Slump, and that's okay

Oct 20, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro (57) skates with the puck against Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Gustav Nyquist (14) in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Dante Fabbro is an interesting pickup at an interesting time for the Blue Jackets, with plenty of upside

Oct 17, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Fans greet Columbus Blue Jackets on the blue carpet during the CBJ Plaza Party before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

It's time to genuinely admit that the Columbus Blue Jackets are cursed

Sep 27, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Ethan Bear (25) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Dylan Gambrell (18) battle for the puck in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Blue Jackets 2024 Season Preview, Dylan Gambrell will have to earn his NHL ice time with this opportunity

Sep 28, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The NHL Unity and Equality sticker on the helmet of Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mikael Pyyhtia (82) is seen as he skates during warmups prior to the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Blue Jackets 2024 Season Preview, Mikael Pyyhtiä got his shot, and he'll try to make the most of it

Feb 23, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Kent Johnson (91) avoids the check of Buffalo Sabres center Peyton Krebs (19) during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

After just two preseason games, a team identity for the Blue Jackets is becoming clearer

Sep 4, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Mourners gather for a candlelight vigil to remember Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau at Nationwide Arena. Gaudreau, along with his brother, Matthew, died in a bicycle crash last week. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn Images via Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network

The Blue Jackets' annual public open practice and scrimmage went well for an organization in transition

Mar 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov (40) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

2024 Blue Jackets season preview, Daniil Tarasov looks for a repeat performance of his late-season play