Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Their First UFA to a 6-Year Contract! (5/12/26)

IT HAPPENED! 

I've waited for this news since Charlie Coyle celebrated his 1,000th NHL Game and went on a point streak that tormented several teams! Don Waddell, Charlie Coyle, and our Blue Jackets organization announced late this morning that Charlie would not just be returning for next season, but for five more seasons after that! Our #3 will make $6 million a season, bringing his total salary to $30 million over his next 6 seasons in the league. He turned 34 in early March, which could very well make this his last contract in the NHL, and I'm so happy we paid him what he was worth and kept him here in Columbus. In Don we trust. 

This season, Charlie was one of the few Blue Jackets players to complete the 82-game season. In those 82 games, he finished with 20 goals and 38 assists, giving him 58 points. His plus/minus was a +3 when the regular season concluded in mid-April. Bonus, 7 of those 20 goals were on the power play, and if you're a 5th Line fan, you know the power play can always use a player that effective. All around, Charlie used his 1-year contract here to the fullest extent, making an impact on the ice and in the eyes of fans. As I said before, it's great seeing him stay in Columbus and getting rewarded for his immense effort last season. 

Since the announcement, I've also seen a lot of chatter online about his leadership ability, coupled with his lengthy contract extension, and a theory that he could be named captain. I think Boone Jenner has done an amazing job as captain, especially given the challenges he's faced from rotating coaches and the unimaginable loss of teammate Johnny Gaudreau a couple of seasons ago. That said, when Rick Bowness left the ice following the 2-1 Blue Jackets loss to the Capitals in the last game of the season, he clearly stated that he'd change the culture of the team should he return. The next day, it was announced he would, in fact, return to coach our Blue Jackets in the 2026-27 NHL season. Normally, when a culture change occurs in the NHL, we often see a change in the captain. During his exit interview, Rick dismissed the idea of discussing who would wear the C or A's next season because leadership should be universal in the locker room. My opinion is that I'm eager to see who will wear the C next season, but I agree with our head coach. I want to see a team full of confident leaders on the ice. This season, the Boston Bruins didn't name a captain, but instead had a few alternate captains only. The Bruins made the playoffs. Who wears the C is important in some instances, but Rick is right, the man wearing the C, and men wearing the A's are not the end-all, be-all, leadership of the team. If Boone is extended, great. If Charlie or another player is promoted to captain, that's also great. That said, respectfully, I care more about the leadership I see on the ice, and less about who is the spokesperson leader for merchandise. 

Wrapping up this blog post, I'll say again how happy I am to see Charlie returning for several seasons to come. It was the first news I saw this morning, and the best surprise news I could've asked for to start my first day off in 5. I wanted this contract for him, and I wasn't shy about voicing my wishes after watching him play this season. Charlie, you earned this, and welcome back to the Columbus Blue Jackets! 

GO #3!      


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