The CBJ Writer

Zach Werenski, who finished his first point-per-game season with the Columbus Blue Jackets (23-59-82) appreciated the offer to be part of Team USA again, but originally announced he'd passed on the invitation due to an upcoming summer full of weddings, including his own. However, not long before the puck was set to drop on the worldwide competition, Zach Werenski had a change of heart and joined the team after all. Looking back, I think he'd regret it if he hadn't after Team USA beat Team Suiden today in the Gold Medal Game that went to overtime tied 0-0! Tage Thompson would become the deciding factor at 2:02, winning the whole enchilada for the United States, and on Memorial Day Weekend no less!   It's been over 9 decades since Team USA Mens Hockey could call themselves the best at IIHF Worlds, and now Zach Werenski and Team USA can after so many close calls and devastating losses. In his 7 games played, Zach Werenski would finish with a 1-5-6. For his efforts, he'...

The Columbus Blue Jackets played up to game 81 of an 82-game season before being knocked out of the playoffs with a Montreal Canadians win. The team had a dramatic turnaround compared to the prior season. Many players acquired their career best in points, goals, and assists. Several players had hattricks. Many team and individual records were matched or broken. It was an inspired season led by the memory of gone-but-not-forgotten forward, Johnny Gaudreau, and I look forward to this team rallying to an even better season next year with him never far from their mind. The Columbus Blue Jackets have time before that next season begins on the ice, but the work to ensure the best team is prepared for a cup run in the 2025-26 season began the day after the 2024-25 NHL Season ended. Behind the scenes, player contracts are being worked out as well as potential trades. We will also add many new players in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in late June, but their first overall pick (currently after tonigh...

Even with some big-name Columbus Blue Jackets expected to sit out for the IIHF Men's Championships in 2025 due to injury, like Elvis Merzlikins, or upcoming wedding plans, like Zach Werenski, several other players and coaches will take part. Team Canada will have four notable names on their team from the Columbus Blue Jackets, two coaches, and two impressive young players who grew a lot this season. The coach will be Dean Evanson, and he will take the same role he holds here in Columbus, Head Coach. Steve McCarthy will also make the journey with him and take on the same role he holds here in Columbus: Assistant Coach.  As far as players go, Center Adam Fantilli was selected after his second season in the NHL and first 82-game season. In that time he had 31 goals and 23 assists for 52 points. He also concluded the season with a +4 on the ice. Among other highlights were two hattricks and the way he stepped up in the role as a top-line center when the team lost Sean Monahan to a nast...