The first order of offseason business is complete.
Shortly after the Columbus Blue Jackets’ disappointing last game of the season, summing up a brutal past couple of weeks for the team in their bid for the playoffs, president and general manager Don Waddell made sure to extend head coach Rick Bowness through the 2026-27 season.
The quick one-year extension might have, in part, had something to do with the way Bowness got everyone talking about his animated postgame press conference after Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. Or rather, the things Bowness said during the press conference.
Throughout Bowness’ brief Blue Jackets coaching tenure, the veteran coach typically brimmed with smiles, positivity, and that cool grandfatherly vibe as he guided his team from last in the Eastern Conference in January to second place in the Metropolitan Division by late March.
But as things got harder down the stretch, the struggles compounded and the losses piled up.
Bowness, still measured in his press conferences through the end of the season, was not short on the issues affecting his club. Things quickly turned to a more pointed put up or shut up mentality if the team wanted to get to where they constantly talked of getting to: the postseason.
Instead of doing the talking on the ice, the team faded down the stretch, missing the playoffs for the sixth straight year.
It was likely a combustible combination of the way that last game played out, the team’s 0-5-1 mark in their final six home games, and the reality that the season was officially over for Bowness to erupt in a way we had not seen since the 71-year-old took over in Columbus. Remember, this man was on his boat in Florida the day before taking the job and coaching the group to a win a day later. He clearly cares. He said all the things those in the fan base have felt for 25 years.
Full comments from Rick Bowness frustrations. Some of the most candid remarks weve seen from any coach in #CBJ history. pic.twitter.com/siN1eUlWYQ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 15, 2026
In-the-moment, from-the-heart, raw emotion spilling over from the last game and final week-plus of games in which the Jackets went 2-7-1 down the stretch. The aftermath became a viral moment as the Bowness press conference got everyone talking about him and the Jackets, specifically the part of the rant in which he called out his team for not caring enough about losing.
Rick Bowness didn’t hold back Tuesday night. #CBJ https://t.co/P11YPBfxZ7 pic.twitter.com/QWHWDwPgCJ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 15, 2026
Bowness walked it back a tad a few moments later to say his players do care, but they need to prove it on the ice. The overall point resonated with the fanbase. Everyone around the country heard what Bowness had to say as all kinds of national radio markets and affiliates played the sound. Bowness and the Blue Jackets might have been the most talked-about NHL team on Wednesday for that moment alone. At least for a team in the U.S., not going to the playoffs.
While the sentiment about not caring and losing not being important enough stung those players in the room, Bowness wasn’t wrong with what he said. It’s up to the players to answer the bell, and it’s up to Bowness to officially change the “freaking” culture as he promised he would do in Tuesday’s postgame press conference if he came back.
Even if players didn’t fully agree with their coach’s take about not caring enough, there was still a deeply defined respect and buy-in from players in Bowness. A critical reason why he’s coming back.
Werenski added that he understands Bones comments were in the heat of the moment, and that the two were fine when they spoke this morning. #CBJ https://t.co/YefSbnkIWU
— Ed Francis (@BlueJacketStats) April 15, 2026
Now that the head coach is in place, among the next items on Waddell’s to-do list is going through the Blue Jackets’ unrestricted and restricted free agents.
#CBJ unrestricted free agents:
Zach Aston-Reese
Charlie Coyle
Erik Gudbranson
Danton Heinen
Boone Jenner
Mason Marchment
Brendan Smith
Restricted free agents:
Adam Fantilli
Jet Greaves
Cole Sillinger
Egor Zamula
— Ed Francis (@BlueJacketStats) April 14, 2026
Charlie Coyle (UFA)
Jan 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle (3) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Last offseason might have felt underwhelming in the form of major player acquisitions, but Charlie Coyle was among the bigger additions for the Jackets, turning in the type of two-way play that might garner Selke nominations.
Coyle’s 58 points (20 goals, 38 assists) are the second most of his career — he had 60 points in 2023-24. The 38 helpers tied a career high from 2016-17, and he was among three Jackets to play all 82 games. As good a season as Coyle had, the 2025-26 season is the first in his 14 NHL seasons in which he did not make the playoffs.
An unrestricted free agent, Coyle was all in on Bowness returning as head coach, and maybe that will be enough for his own return to the team.
Asked about his status for next season, pending free agent Charlie Coyle was noncommittal but did allude to the fact that Rick Bowness potential return would have an impact.
I would love to keep working with Rick.
It would definitely be a big positive if he was here. #CBJ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 15, 2026
Boone Jenner (UFA)
Feb 18, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Captain Boone Jenner represented the longest tenured Blue Jacket on the roster this past season. Breaking into the league in 2013-14, Jenner has seen the highs for the Blue Jackets, reaching the playoffs in five of the franchise’s six appearances. His 37 career playoff games are tied with David Savard for the most in franchise history, and Jenner’s eight postseason goals are tied for second most in franchise history with Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Jenner was named the seventh captain in franchise history on Oct. 12, 2021. Now facing uncertainty with his next contract, we might have seen Jenner’s last game as a member of the Blue Jackets, let alone as captain. If he were to return to the team, he’s a bottom-six player. If he returns, it might be time to relinquish the ‘C.’ It might not be his choice either way.
Captain Boone Jenner when asked about if hell be back next season: I’ll take some time here and speak with my family and my agent and see what’s next.
Well see what happens.
When asked if he wants to come back:
For sure. I have so much belief in that room. #CBJ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 15, 2026
Similar to Bowness’ fiery press conference at the conclusion of the Blue Jackets’ season, it took me back to 2023 when his Winnipeg Jets were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in the playoffs, and Bowness unleashed on his team in a somewhat similar manner. His Jets played without an official designated captain that season, as Blake Wheeler was stripped of the ‘C’ coming into the year.
In Thursday’s press conference, Bowness alluded to a team being able to have leaders regardless of wearing a letter.
“You don’t have to wear a ‘C’ or an ‘A’ to be a leader.” pic.twitter.com/MiiChxRKYY
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 16, 2026
Jenner’s 212 regular-season games are the third most in franchise history behind Rick Nash (289) and Cam Atkinson (213). Will that be all?
Erik Gudbranson (UFA)
Erik Gudbranson, signed in the same offseason in which Johnny Gaudreau also left Calgary for Columbus, completed his four-year contract with the Jackets. For the first two seasons, Gudbranson was relatively healthy, playing 148 games between 2022 and 2024. Since 2024, he has only appeared in 53 games as injury took its toll. Gudbranson’s most productive scoring season came in 2023-24 when he put up career highs in points (26) and assists (20) and matched his career best six goals.
Now 34 years old and unable to stay healthy lately, other players can figure into the Jackets’ defensive pairings. The six-foot-five, 222 lb defenseman added some snarl, but it’s hard to imagine he’s back next season. Gudbranson was part of the leadership core, wearing the ‘A,’ and regardless, it’s probably time to shake that leadership room up.
Mason Marchment (UFA)
Mason Marchment and the Blue Jackets were a bit synonymous in that both struggled to start the season, and then both took off. Marchment had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 29 games with the Seattle Kraken, but then came to Columbus in a trade and started scoring. And scoring. He ended up with 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 39 games for the Jackets.
Marchment found his way into the Blue Jackets franchise record books with eight goals in his first nine games for the club. This will be an interesting one to monitor, and perhaps it’s between him and Coyle on who, if either, returns.
Zach Aston-Reese (UFA)
Zach Aston-Reese is in Cleveland as the Monsters embark on their playoff run. For the Blue Jackets this past season, he had five points (one goal, four assists) in 27 games. That’s quite a bit down from his 2024-25 campaign with the team, when he had 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 79 games.
Brendan Smith (UFA)
Brendan Smith joined the Jackets on a professional tryout contract but appeared in only 15 games with two assists before injury ended his season in late December. It’s unlikely the 37-year-old returns to Columbus.
Danton Heinen (UFA)
Danton Heinen was acquired for Yegor Chinakhov in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins in December, and while Chinakhov stole the headlines with his scoring surge, Heinen played his role well for Columbus. He put up 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 33 games for Columbus, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were back on a small deal.
Adam Fantilli (RFA)
Apr 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) celebrates after scoring in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Adam Fantilli has already wrapped up his third NHL season, and the restricted free agent is ready for his next deal. After his first season was reduced to 49 games because of a mid-season injury, Fantili’s been healthy each of the last two seasons, playing all 82 games in 2024-25 and 2025-26. Fantilli scored 59 points this past season, a career high, scoring 24 goals and setting a career high 35 assists.
A myriad of comments from #CBJ center Adam Fantilli, but hes reiterated on several occasions that hes a big fan of Rick Bowness and would love to see him return.
Adds that he understands Bones frustration.
It was in our grasp and we let it slip away and thats on us.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 15, 2026
If you’re curious, here’s how the 2023 third overall pick, Fantilli, stacks up to a few of his contemporaries from his draft class:
Connor Bedard, the first overall pick, has 203 career points (75 goals, 128 assists) in 219 games since 2023-24. Bedard’s 203 points are 48th among all players since his league debut. Leo Carlsson, the Anaheim Ducks’ second overall pick, has 141 points (61 goals, 80 assists) since 2023-24. His 141 points are 135th among all NHLers in that same span. Fantilli’s 141 points are 138th overall.
2023 Top 3 Picks
GP
G
A
P
Connor Bedard
219
75
128
203
Leo Carlsson
201
61
80
141
Adam Fantilli
213
67
73
140
Cole Sillinger (RFA)
Cole Sillinger is still only 22 years old, but among the longer tenured Blue Jackets. Next season will be his sixth NHL season, and he’s proven to be a reliable player. Bowness coached Cole’s dad, Mike Sillinger, in 2003-04.
While Cole might not be the type of player who’s going to stack up points — he’s put up 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists) in 367 career games so far — his 33 points this past season matched last season’s total, a career high. If he could get to 40 and above, I think you’d take that for the role he’s carved out for himself. Sillinger played a career-high 81 games in 2025-26, and he’s proven to be an effective two-way player on the third line.
Jet Greaves (RFA)
Jet Greaves always seemed to flourish in his stints with the Blue Jackets, including down the stretch of the 2024-25 season, when he won his final five straight starts and seven of eight. He went 7-2-2 that year in limited action, to go with a healthy 1.91 goals against average and .938 save percentage. When he became a full-time part of the Blue Jackets’ goalie tandem going into 2025-26, we wondered how that would go. And for the most part, Greaves played up to the part we thought he might.
In 53 starts and 55 games total, Greaves went 26-19-9 with a 2.60 GAA, .908 save percentage, and two shutouts. An RFA, now we’ll see what the dollars look like.
In Greaves’ favor, he was ninth among all goalies in goals saved above expected (16.5 in all situations). He was 11th in 5v5 situations (9.3) per MoneyPuck.
One thing that stands out about Greaves, beyond his play on the ice, is his demeanor off the ice. You can tell he truly appreciates the moment to play and make the most of every start he gets.
Jet Greaves on Rick Bowness: We all hope hes back next year. #CBJ
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) April 15, 2026
Egor Zamula (RFA)
Egor Zamula was acquired in January and put up two assists in 20 games for Columbus. Will he be back? Will he be in Cleveland? He could fill an extra spot for a defenseman when there’s an injury.