COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Blue Jackets narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but there is still reason to be optimistic at Nationwide Arena.
The late-season push for a wild-card, the Stadium Series defeat of Detroit and perhaps some divine intervention following the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers made the 2024-25 season one that will be hard to forget.
“I do think the outlook now for this organization is as bright as it’s ever been,” said The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, longtime CBJ writer. “They’ve been young before, but they’ve not been this young with players in major positions producing at a very high level.”
The Blue Jackets top three goal scorers are all under the age of 25, so the franchise is in good position to contend for a long time.
“A few years from now we’ll stop talking about making the playoffs,” General Manager Don Waddell said. “We’ll talk about winning the cup. And I truly believe after what I witnessed this year, we have most of the pieces in that locker room.”
One big question mark for the Blue Jackets heading into the offseason is what will happen in goal. Elvis Merzlikins has two years left on his contract, but it’s hard to ignore what Jet Greaves did during those final, pressure-packed games.
“I don’t think there’s a way that this team can play next year with Elvis as one of their goalies,” Portzline said. “I think he’s a talented guy. I think he can find success elsewhere. I think his time here in Columbus for various reasons needs to be over.”