With two months left until training camp, Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell remains open to making roster improvements, though major changes are becoming less likely. After a surprisingly strong finish last season, the Blue Jackets’ current roster, with only modest upgrades, may largely resemble the one that takes the ice on opening night in Nashville on October 9.
The projected top line of Dmitri Voronkov, Sean Monahan, and Kirill Marchenko emerged as one of the NHL’s most effective late last season. Marchenko, now a 30-goal scorer, found instant chemistry with Monahan, whose presence elevated the entire line. However, Voronkov’s position isn’t guaranteed due to past conditioning concerns, and he’ll be challenged to show up in peak form, or risk losing his spot to Yegor Chinakhov or Kent Johnson.
The second line, featuring Boone Jenner, Adam Fantilli, and Kent Johnson, blends veteran stability with rising star potential. Jenner provides faceoff support and physicality, allowing Fantilli to grow into his center role. Fantilli’s late-season scoring surge (28 goals in 61 games) points to a breakout year, while Johnson continues to evolve into a top-tier playmaker with increasing ice time.
Blue Jackets’ Bottom Six Forwards Blend Grit, Depth, Youth, and Unsettled Roster Roles
Yegor Chinakhov, Charlie Coyle, and Cole Sillinger form a potential third line with both upside and depth. Coyle, a new acquisition, brings much-needed reliability at center. Chinakhov’s future remains uncertain due to a trade request, but he could quickly climb the depth chart with strong play. Sillinger shifts from center to wing and remains a versatile piece with 286 games of NHL experience at just 22 years old.
Blue Jackets Eye Roster Stability as Top Lines Solidify and Goalie Battle Looms Ahead of CampA revamped fourth line includes Miles Wood, Isac Lundestrom, and enforcer Mathieu Olivier. Wood seeks a bounce-back season after an injury-plagued campaign, while Olivier adds muscle and a surprising scoring touch (18 goals last season). Lundestrom, a low-key but steady center, rounds out the trio, bringing balance to a line that will likely play a physical, energy-based role.
Zach Aston-Reese, who extended his contract early last year, could challenge Wood for a spot, showcasing the club’s forward depth. Mykael Pyyhtiä, still a restricted free agent, is negotiating for a potential one-way deal, indicating the club values roster flexibility and competition for bottom-line roles.
Blue Jackets’ Defensive Pairings Take Shape, Goalie Battle Set to Define Season
Zach Werenski headlines the defense after a career-best year (82 points, Norris Trophy runner-up). Partnered with Dante Fabbro—claimed off waivers from Nashville—the pair quickly developed chemistry and stability. Fabbro’s breakout performance has solidified a once-unsettled top pairing, and their synergy has allowed the Blue Jackets to control possession and limit defensive zone time.
The second defensive pair features promising youngster Denton Mateychuk and veteran Ivan Provorov, who recently signed a seven-year extension. Mateychuk impressed late last season with his mature, responsible play, and expectations are high for more offensive involvement. Their pairing contributed to the team’s significantly better performance when both were in the lineup, further reinforcing their importance.
Damon Severson and Erik Gudbranson make up the third pairing. Severson has underwhelmed through two seasons despite his expensive contract, making improvement critical. Gudbranson adds toughness and penalty killing, but is limited with the puck. The pressure will be on Severson to stabilize this pairing and regain form. Jake Christiansen could challenge for minutes if Severson falters.
The crease battle between Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins will be closely watched. Greaves was stellar in limited action last season, helping the Blue Jackets push for a playoff spot, and may be given a true shot at the No. 1 role. Merzlikins, though talented, has struggled with consistency and on-ice composure. Coach Dean Evason supports Merzlikins, but questions linger about how he’ll respond if Greaves wins the job.
