The Semi-Calm After the 2026 Columbus Blue Jackets Free Agency Day 2

Well, I'm glad we all didn't panic! Seriously, though, I think Zach Werenski is a genius, or this was the worst game of NHL Telephone in the history of the Columbus Blue Jackets. After much drama and panic, Zach Werenski turned down a deal late Tuesday night that would've sent him to the Dallas Stars. Then, yesterday, in the middle of the 2026 free agency frenzy, he reversed course and said he wanted to stay in Columbus after talking to GM Don Waddell. I have many theories as to what happened. We'll never know if any are right, but here you go, for fun. 

1) Zach Werenski wanted to prove how desirable he is to the front office, coaching staff, and fellow players. So, he did this as a way to prove a point that he can leave and will if the team doesn't figure it out in the 2026-27 season. (This is where I'd consider him a genius because, although I have faith in this team, they do need to wake up. We're good, and glitches at the end have caused us to trip the finish line, qualifying for the playoffs two seasons in a row.)

2) Zach Werenski was considering leaving, and the information got into the wrong hands and was leaked. (His value is the highest it's ever been. His two huge point seasons, countless franchise records, a Norris nomination, and a Norris nomination and Win. Not to mention the primary assist on the gold-medal goal at the Olympics. Yeah, he's that good.)

3) Someone created a rumor, it caught steam with chatter that Kirill Marchenko wanted to leave, and people started believing the rumor. (Worst game of NHL Telephone ever!)  

Regardless, the reasoning of what happened doesn't really matter now. He's staying, thank goodness. Now, that said, if he did do this with the intent to possibly leave, I am curious how it affects his chances of being the next captain after Boone Jenner's departure. 

Speaking of the former captain, he gets his flowers next, because what a career here in Columbus he had! The versatile center and winger leaves Columbus after playing in 808 games, the most of any Blue Jacket in the franchise's history. He had 421 points over that time, consisting of 212 goals and 209 assists over 13 memorable seasons. In his years as captain, I admired his leadership, going through five coaching changes, and leading this franchise through the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau. Further, his ability to handle adversity when faced with a back injury and broken jaw was impressive to say the least. That said, I'm sure they were amazing, but I still can't think of a taco without him raving about his wife's tacos that she blended for him while his jaw was wired shut. Now that's love because, ewe. 

All jokes aside, I've loved watching Boone Jenner captain this team since October 2021. I'll miss yelling BOOOOOOOONE in Nationwide Arena, and hearing it on the radio and TV when he scores. That said, now that we know Alex Ovechkin is returning for another season, I'm amped to see how Boone fits in with the Washington Capitals. It should be fun, and I wish the former captain and his family the very best! 

Another loss in free agency yesterday was Mason Marchment. I loved watching this guy, and I really wish we'd kept him! He only played in 39 games, but had 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points. I'm glad he wasn't on the market long because even with a shortened season, he was nearly a point-per-game player. The San Jose Sharks are developing into a powerhouse, and even after having him on our team for only a season, I think picking up Mason was a great move for their offense this upcoming season. I wish him the best of luck in San Jose! 

We also had some great players sign back with the Columbus Blue Jackets/Cleveland Monsters. Owen Sillinger, older brother of Cole Sillinger, was one of those players. His contract is for the next season and a two-way deal, meaning he can flip between the AHL and NHL as needed. I've said it before, but I've watched Owen play, and I've met him; he's as talented as he is kind to fans. I'll always be happy to see him stick around Ohio.

Another two-way deal was made with Riley Bezeau for one year. Glad to see another player heading back to Cleveland.  

Pheonix Copley is a new goaltender we picked up. He was given a one-year contract, too. Age 34, he hasn't played a ton of games in the NHL, but in the ones he has played, he has a solid record: 44-17-8. Even when split over 8 seasons, it isn't bad, and if he goes to Cleveland, I like the idea of an older player with NHL experience with the young men coming up. Welcome to Ohio, Pheonix!   

Another deal we made was with former Calgary Flame, Ryan Lomberg. He's a forward, and his contract is NHL-only for the next two seasons. Welcome to Columbus, Ryan!  

Don also made it clear today that Kirill Marchenko will be here in Columbus when the season starts. Thursday night, it was announced via his agent that he had no plans to sign back with Columbus when his current contract ended. That said, a lot can change in a season, and I hope he has a great one that leads him to change his mind. 

And, the latest signing, Erik Gudbranson, elected to take a significant cut in pay to stay in Columbus. His deal is for an extra season at 1.75M. I know some have questioned this deal, but I love a player who wants to stay in this two and fight. Also, Erik is a good defenseman when healthy, and I wish him nothing but the best health this season because I want him in that lineup!

So, I think that's everyone, for now. It's been a busy two days for the Blue Jackets, and I love it. I'm thrilled with who we signed, I wish the best two players who moved on, and I'm relieved that the Zach Werenski panic has been put to rest in a way that favors him, his family, and Columbus. Captain? Honestly, I think it's between two players: Zach Werenski and Charlie Coyle. Zach is obviously the favorite, I think, even after the uncertainty this last week. We've seen him wear the 'A' for a few seasons; he has the leadership and scoring ability, and as a defenseman no less. Charlie is more of a surprise, backup option because he made a splash with the team in his first season here, and we know he has great leadership qualities, too. In my mind, leadership shakes out like this:\

Captain: Zach Werenski

Alternate: Charlie Coyle

Alternate: Adam Fantilli (If he accepts his qualifying offer. You can disagree with me, but I think he's a captain in the making. I'd rather have him be ours than leading the opposition. For this to be successful, I want to see him in a supporting role so he can learn from experienced elders before taking in due time.)

I know everyone has their list and reasons, but this is mine. In the end, I'm very curious how leadership will shake out for next season, as I feel there are a lot of good answers to this question. I believe that we won't have to wait long for an answer. Training camp will be here before we know it, and I cannot wait. I'll keep you all updated on any other signings and Blue Jackets news on my social media pages and blog. Thank you for being here, 5th Line!

GO CBJ!        

       

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is There a Team Altering Trade Forming in Columbus? 3/3/2026

I'll start out by saying what I normally do the first week of March every season: Unless under special circumstances, I only allow myself to speculate one week a year, and that is NHL Trade Deadline Week.  I could be wrong, and I only have information avalible to the public. I am not an insider, and I've never claimed to be. That said, something has happened tonight that gives me a gut feeling our General Manager, Don Waddell, could be up to something. What I am about to lay out is either a coincidence or a fact, and only time will tell. Here are my thoughts. Let me make this very clear: I have multiple reasons to love each of our players. So, what I'm about to say comes from a business standpoint only. Kent Johnson had been a healthy scratch for the last two games. He's a young player with decent numbers, which could be an asset to any of the other 31 NHL teams. I firmly believed that he'd be leaving us, and, if he did, I would of course wish him nothing but the be...
Read more

2025-2026 End of Season Wrap-up: Columbus Blue Jackets

Introduction and Rick Bowness Staying: I waited a week to write this so my thoughts and feelings about the season could sink in and not be spur-of-the-moment. I also wanted to see what our General Manager, Don Waddell, would decide regarding keeping Rick Bowness as head coach following his blunt and emotional remarks to the media after Tuesday's final game and loss in Nationwide Arena. Rick Bowness made news across the world with his comments of frustration and how he'd change the culture if brought back. I know that sounds dramatic to say 'across the world', but nearly every hockey creator I follow on TikTok posted remarks about his comments, and although the Blue Jackets aren't these creators' primary team, they expressed support for his reaction and hoped he'd be hired back. This doesn't include media outlets like ESPN and the New York Times also writing articles about his emotional response to what had been a remarkable and inspired turn around sicne...
Read more

If I Were Don Waddell, This is What I'd Do Ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline

So, a few days ago, I wrote a blog post that I hoped wouldn't hold up. I think my hopes have been realized. In that post, I centered on how our captain, Boone Jenner, had been listed as out against the Nashville Predators under 'maintenance'. I got an uneasy feeling this could result in a trade due to the timing and the reason he wouldn't play. Tonight, he not only played against the Florida Panthers but also had the game-winning goal. So, although anything can still happen, I feel less anxious about Boone leading us tomorrow before the NHL Trade Deadline at 3:00 p.m. So, with that said, what would I do if I were Don Waddell?  Nothing.  You read that right, 5th Line, I wouldn't touch this team. I say this for two main reasons. First, our best player and defenseman, Zach Werenski, has been out ill for the last three games. This team has rallied without him to win once in overtime and twice in regulation in those three games. Further, the first game they won without h...
Read more