Analysis

Columbus Blue Jackets v San Jose Sharks

Blue Jackets did almost everything right, but came up just short in San Jose

Blue Jackets will face a different kind of test in San Jose tonight

Competent coaching has the undermanned Blue Jackets competing with the best

In spite of the loss, the Blue Jackets showed structure and a stronger work ethic on opening night

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

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

Los Angeles Kings v Boston Bruins

Columbus Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, James van Riemsdyk adds depth and experience up front

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

San Jose Sharks v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Boone Jenner will be a leader both on and off the ice

Columbus Blue Jackets v Pittsburgh Penguins

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Zach Werenski will be a workhorse from the back end

Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens

Columbus Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Jordan Harris brings depth and two-way acumen to the back end

Colorado Avalanche v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Kirill Marchenko needs to become a dominant scorer

Tampa Bay Lightning v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Kent Johnson looking to bounce back

Mar 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Erik Gudbranson is a Columbus Blue Jacket for life

Winnipeg Jets v Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Dmitri Voronkov is primed for a big sophomore season

Carolina Hurricanes v Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Gavin Brindley is a sneaky dark horse to make the cut

Pittsburgh Penguins v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Jake Christiansen faces suddenly stiff competition for a roster spot

Carolina Hurricanes v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Cole Sillinger is part of the foundation

Los Angeles Kings v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, David Jiricek needs to take the next step

Seattle Kraken v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Adam Fantilli is expected to take the next step

Philadelphia Flyers v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Ivan Provorov will be leaned upon in all facets of the game

Apr 6, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing James Malatesta (67) during pregame warmup against the Philadelphia Flyers at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, James Malatesta has the chance to make the regular lineup in Columbus

Colorado Avalanche v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Mathieu Olivier is back with a vengeance

Mar 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Elvis Merzlikins has reached his final chance in Columbus

Pittsburgh Penguins v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, defenseman Stanislav Svozil could get a real look at the NHL level this season

Mar 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Sean Monahan (23) skates during warmups before the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Sean Monahan brings skill and history with Johnny Gaudreau

Calgary Flames v Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Patrik Laine is a wildcard