The Columbus Blue Jackets are dead last in the Eastern Conference at the time of writing this column on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the lunchtime hour along the chilly Eastern seaboard. While the club sits at a NHL 500 win loss record of 13-13-6 for 32 points, the point record technically ties them with the Buffalo Sabres. 

Playoff woes arrive in the midst of the peak holiday season and a four game losing streak. General manager and President Don Waddell has some serious work ahead of him before the early March trade deadline, and the assets could come from tearing down the Columbus offense featuring captain Boone Jenner, offseason acquisition Charlie Coyle, and former first rounder Yegor Chinakov. 

Jenner — 12 points in 18 games due to injury and in the final year of an extremely team friendly deal. The captain and gritty forward is the longest tenured Columbus skater, and could be moved as a rental. 

Coyle — acquired in a package deal in the summer with Miles Wood for Gavin Brindley and draft picks. The Massachusetts native is fifth on the Jackets in scoring with 20 points in 32 games. The former first rounder was acquired to boost puck possession and win face-off draws at the center dot. 

Chinakov — struggling coaching relationships and consistent performance having had the young Russian forward available since the 2025 draft. Chinny was a first round pick in 2020. 

Erik Gudbranson — veteran, steady, dependable right handed defenseman that has ran into injury issues the last year and a half. 

Zach Aston-Reese — waiver claim from Vegas that saw postseason appearances in Pittsburgh. 

Corson Ceulemans – first round pick from 2021 

Mikael Pyyhita — goes constantly between the show and the land. 

James Malatesta – young and scrappy forward 

Elvis Merzlikins — still is hoping for a change of scenery. 

Adam Fantilli — 8 years before September 15

Cole Sillinger — first rounder that earned his third contract and is eligible for arbitration. 

Jet Greaves — the undrafted goalkeeper has been the underlying story of the Jackets after the struggles with Merzlikins over his contract.Â