The Columbus Blue Jackets enter the 2026 NHL season looking to turn the progress of the past year into a legitimate playoff push. After continuing to develop one of the league’s more promising young rosters, Columbus enters the new campaign with a strong foundation built around elite defenseman Zach Werenski, emerging offensive stars, and a group of veterans expected to provide leadership.

The Blue Jackets’ offseason focused on maintaining their core while adding depth and experience. General manager Don Waddell entered the summer with the goal of keeping Columbus competitive while continuing the development of a roster that has moved beyond a traditional rebuild phase.

2025-26 Statistical Leaders: Werenski Leads Historic Season

The 2025-26 season was highlighted by a dominant performance from defenseman Zach Werenski, who established himself as one of the NHL’s best all-around players. Werenski led Columbus in several major statistical categories, finishing first on the team in points, assists, plus/minus, and defensive impact.

Columbus Blue Jackets 2025-26 Statistical Leaders

Points Leader: Zach Werenski — 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists) Werenski produced a career-defining season from the blue line, becoming the first defenseman in franchise history to win the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. His 81 points ranked him among the league’s elite offensive defensemen.

Goals Leader: Kirill Marchenko — 27 goals Marchenko continued his rise as one of Columbus’ most dangerous offensive weapons. His combination of size, shooting ability, and finishing skill made him one of the team’s most consistent scoring threats.

Assists Leader: Zach Werenski — 59 assists Werenski’s ability to create offense from the blue line became a major advantage for Columbus, especially on the power play.

Plus/Minus Leader: Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko — +7 Both players finished among the team leaders in overall impact while handling major responsibilities throughout the season.

Games Played Leader: Adam Fantilli and Charlie Coyle — 82 games Fantilli continued his development by appearing in every game, while Coyle provided veteran stability after joining the organization.

Goaltending Leaders: The Blue Jackets continued to develop their goaltending situation with Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves competing for playing time. Greaves emerged as an important part of the future, giving Columbus confidence that the position could become a strength moving forward.

Returning Core Players for 2026

Columbus will bring back a talented group that combines young potential with veteran leadership.

Zach Werenski — Defenseman

Werenski remains the centerpiece of the franchise. Coming off his Norris Trophy-winning season, he enters 2026 as one of the NHL’s premier offensive defensemen. His ability to log heavy minutes, quarterback the power play, and produce elite offensive numbers makes him the foundation of the Blue Jackets’ roster.

Kirill Marchenko — Forward

Marchenko has developed into one of Columbus’ top scoring forwards. His 27-goal season showed his ability to become a consistent top-six offensive player and a key part of the team’s future.

Adam Fantilli — Center

The former No. 3 overall draft pick continued his development during the 2025-26 season, recording 24 goals and 59 points. Fantilli’s combination of size, speed, and skill gives Columbus the potential to have a true franchise center.

Charlie Coyle — Center

Coyle became an important veteran presence after arriving in Columbus and was rewarded with a long-term contract extension. He recorded 20 goals and 58 points while providing leadership and stability down the middle.

Sean Monahan — Center

Monahan provided reliable two-way play and veteran experience, finishing the season with 13 goals and 36 points. His faceoff ability and leadership remain valuable for a young Columbus roster.

Boone Jenner — Forward

The longtime Blue Jackets captain continued to provide leadership, physicality, and responsible two-way play. His future with the organization was one of the major offseason storylines as Columbus evaluated its veteran contracts.

2026 Free Agency Additions

The Blue Jackets focused on adding depth, toughness, and experienced NHL players rather than making a massive splash signing.

Ryan Lomberg — Forward

Columbus added Ryan Lomberg to bring energy, physicality, and competitiveness to the lineup. Known for his aggressive style and ability to create momentum shifts, Lomberg gives the Blue Jackets another bottom-six option.

Pheonix Copley — Goaltender

The Blue Jackets strengthened their goaltending depth by signing veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley. The move gives Columbus another experienced option behind its primary goaltending group.

Colton White — Defenseman

Columbus added defenseman Colton White on a two-year contract, providing additional organizational depth on the blue line.

Erik Gudbranson — Defenseman

The Blue Jackets retained veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson, keeping his physical presence and leadership in the defensive group.

Building Toward a Playoff Future

The 2026 Columbus Blue Jackets enter the season with a roster that appears much closer to playoff contention than it did during the rebuilding years. The emergence of Zach Werenski as a Norris Trophy winner, the continued growth of Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko, and the addition of experienced veterans have created optimism around the organization.

The biggest challenge will be consistency. Columbus has young talent capable of competing with the NHL’s best teams, but the organization must continue improving defensively, developing its goaltending, and finding secondary scoring.

If the Blue Jackets’ young stars continue to progress and the veteran core provides stability, Columbus could take another major step toward ending its playoff drought and becoming one of the NHL’s most exciting rising teams.