My Thoughts Ahead of 2026 Free Agency

So, current me hates me from last Thursday, who promised you all a post summing up the last week and my thoughts ahead of free agency. I do this before free agency every year, but in recent years, it's mostly been coaching changes and a few players leaving during free agency. I was put at ease with the organization's quick choice to keep Head Coach Rick Bowness here another season, just days after the prior one ended. Why was I put at ease? Well, I thought we were due for an offseason where we built this team, maybe moved a free agent or two, and sat back and watched other teams with worse performances last season have drama for once. But, apparently not! I don't know if you can tell by my time posting this, but I've been avoiding writing this blog, and it seems the longer I avoid it, the worse things get. Last Thursday, I was optimistic and trying to poke holes in rumors. Today, if I'm being honest, I'm confused, shocked, hurt, and in denial. 

Let's start off with what made me happy before the NHL Draft and all the shock happened. Valeri Nichushkin. I can't believe we got him. I know he's had some past complications in Colorado, but before that, he was a huge piece in them winning the cup in 2022. I welcome him to Columbus and can't wait to see him suit up here in the fall. 

We also swapped players with the Montreal Canadians. They received Hunter McKown, while we received Luke Tuch. I feel like this is a simple trade, and time will tell if either team gained. I wish McKown the best and welcome Tuch, of course. 

Another birth spot was getting Tuna a new contract! He got a two-year deal, with the first year being a two-way, while the second is just NHL time. I'm very happy for Mikael Pyyhtia; he's earned this while playing in Cleveland! 

Now, the 2026 NHL Draft itself. I thought we had a great showing at the draft. If you look at the list of players we got, their ages, and their ability to grow from the young men they are, I'm satisfied. I feel like Oscar Hemming didn't get the spotlight he deserved after the news broke surrounding other Blue Jackets' futures with the organization. So, please, if you didn't see his stats in just a half season with Boston College, please go back and read my post before this about him, or check out the Columbus Blue Jackets social media pages and watch this young man speak. He's impressive, and I'm not surprised Don Waddell took him with our 14th overall pick. I know he didn't play a full season with Boston College last year, but honestly, I'm excited to see what he can do with one this season. Furthermore, I love that when he breaks out in college, because I think he will, we already have his signing rights! 

Round 2, the Blue Jackets sat out with no picks, but in the Third Round, we'd take Alessandro Di lorio. The fourth, we'd take Evan Jardine from Youngstown, Ohio, and I love a hometown boy! The first round would see the Blue Jackets add another goaltender, Parker Snell. Then, after trading some picks, the Blue Jackets would take two players in round six. Anttoni Uronen and Jonas Woo. We got a diverse group with someone in basically every position. As I said with Oscar Hemming, please go check out these guys and their interviews on social media if you didn't see them due to the overcast of the draft by other events in the organization.

The first of two rumors that overshadowed the draft was confirmed on Thursday night, during round one. I didn't like how it was announced, but Kirill Marchenko is young, and I could understand him wanting to be traded to another team. I didn't like it because I don't want to lose his talent, but I could understand it and would only wish him the best if he were to happen. I know Marchy is a fan favorite, and I love watching him play, too. That said, there are a few young men in Cleveland who I'm sure could come to the NHL level from the AHL and do well in his spot. I cannot say the same for the second rumored player wanting to leave Columbus, unfortunately. 

As many of you know, I wish any departing player, no matter the circumstance, the best. Often, we don't see the full picture behind these decisions, which is where my real confusion and hurt come into play, as I mentioned in the intro. Zach Werenski, whom I championed to win the Norris Trophy in the last two seasons he was nominated, and who did just win after his second nomination a few weeks ago, blindsided me and much of this fanbase with his desire not to re-sign with the team when his current contract concluded. I dismissed the idea that he actually wanted out of Columbus, but now my denial isn't aging well: it's been reported that the Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets had a trade ready, but Zach Werenski declined it today. With his no-trade clause in his current contract, Zach controls his destiny. As someone who believed he'd be the next captain and retire a Blue Jacket, I'm dumbstruck by current events and how this situation evolved so rapidly. As I said, we don't know why and might never know. I'm glad that Don Waddell has made it clear that, for Zach, at least, a player must be involved in the trade. Good on him for having such a requirement because we don't have a replacement for Zach, but then again, how do you replace a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman? Honestly? You don't. Folks, I don't sugarcoat; this scares me. All I can do is have faith in Don and our front office to do their job to the best of their abilities, and I do have that faith, but damn, just, damn. 

In less shocking news, Trent Vogelhuber has been added to the Blue Jackefts' coaching bench. Also, Nick Bootland will lead the Bench in Cleveland as the next Head Coach of our AHL Cleveland Monsters. So, welcome, and congratulations to them both. 

As I wrap this up, I'm going to be more blunt than normal. I don't like the idea of losing Kirill Marchenko or Zach Werenski; I never saw it coming. That said, if any player leaves, it is next man up. There are more obvious replacements for Kirill Marchenko than Zach Werenski right now, of course, but that doesn't mean a player won't find a way to fill his skates. We are chasing the Stanley Cup, and when the season stats in September, all 32 teams have the same chance at claiming it. If any player leaves, I wish them the best, but at the same time, if you're not with us, then you're against us. Unfortunately, in the end, that's just the way it is, fan favorite or not. 

I do work tomorrow, but when I have the ability to do so, I will post any updates regarding free agency, Kirill Marchenko, Zach Werenski, and any other Blue Jackets' news that may appear. 

Go CBJ!  


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