Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets, established in 2000 as an NHL expansion team, represent Ohio’s capital city and play their home games at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus. While the franchise has yet to secure a Stanley Cup, their defining moment came in 2019 when they won their first-ever playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a milestone that marked their emergence as a competitive team. The franchise honors Rick Nash, their first superstar and all-time leading scorer, by retiring his number 61, and counts Hall of Famer Sergei Fedorov among its notable former players[1][2][4].

In the 2024-25 NHL season, Columbus showed substantial improvement, finishing with a solid 40-33-9 record, culminating in 89 points and a return to playoff contention after previous struggles. The team is led by captain Boone Jenner, who has been a steady presence since his appointment in 2021. A major boost to their roster came in 2022 when they signed superstar winger Johnny Gaudreau to a lucrative seven-year contract, signaling the franchise's ambition to build a winning core. This move, alongside re-signing Patrik Laine and adding defenseman Erik Gudbranson, has enhanced their offensive firepower and defensive depth. The coaching staff, under head coach Brad Larsen, emphasizes a balanced playing style that combines offensive creativity with responsible defensive zones, though special teams remain an area for improvement[1][3].

From a betting perspective, the Blue Jackets often present intriguing value, particularly in home games at Nationwide Arena, where their aggressive forechecking and fast-paced play tend to be more effective. Historically, they have struggled defensively, which can lead to high-scoring games and volatility against the spread. When favored, Columbus has been somewhat inconsistent, but as underdogs, especially in divisional matchups within the Central Division, they have a reputation for competitive resilience. Bettors should also note their performance in primetime games has shown flashes of brilliance, partly due to increased focus and energy from the team[1].

Looking ahead, the Columbus Blue Jackets are clearly in a contending phase, aiming to leverage their young core and star acquisitions to make deeper playoff runs. The team appears committed to maintaining competitiveness over the next several seasons, balancing development with high-impact signings. Realistic expectations for the 2025-26 season include solidifying their playoff positioning and continuing to improve defensively, while the long-term outlook suggests they are building toward sustained contention rather than a full rebuild[1][3].