The defense will be sure to know the whereabouts of Zach Aston-Reese. Zach Aston-Reese starts the game as a 7-year veteran that comes into this game as a forward and is 200 pounds. Coming from the United States, he was born on August 10, 1994 and is 6-1. Over the course of his hockey career, Zach Aston-Reese has recorded 91 pts in his 363 games played. Yegor Chinakhov is someone else that will be a major player on this team. Yegor Chinakhov skates onto the ice as a 6-1 forward that weighs in at 201 lbs and is a product of Russia. He shows up as a 3-year veteran with a birthdate of February 1, 2001 and is 23 years of age. Having played 166 times over the course of his hockey career, he has a plus/minus of -34 during those contests. Just as importantly, Jake Christiansen will be another guy to keep an eye on. Born on September 12, 1999, Jake Christiansen comes in as the defender, while being a 3-year veteran in the NHL. The Canada born athlete weighs in at 197 lbs and his height is 6-0.
2024-25 Columbus Blue Jackets Roster
| Player | Nation | Pos | Age | Hgt | Wgt | Exp | Birth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Aston-Reese | us | F | 30 | 6-1 | 200 | 7 | August 10, 1994 |
| Yegor Chinakhov | ru | F | 23 | 6-1 | 201 | 3 | February 1, 2001 |
| Jake Christiansen | ca | D | 25 | 6-0 | 197 | 3 | September 12, 1999 |
| Justin Danforth | ca | F | 31 | 5-8 | 188 | 3 | March 15, 1993 |
| Adam Fantilli | ca | F | 20 | 6-2 | 199 | 1 | October 12, 2004 |
| Jordan Harris | us | D | 24 | 5-11 | 187 | 3 | July 7, 2000 |
| David Jiricek | cz | D | 21 | 6-4 | 204 | 2 | November 28, 2003 |
| Jack Johnson | us | D | 38 | 6-2 | 225 | 18 | January 13, 1987 |
| Kent Johnson | ca | F | 22 | 6-0 | 180 | 3 | October 18, 2002 |
| Sean Kuraly | us | F | 32 | 6-2 | 215 | 8 | January 20, 1993 |
| Kevin Labanc | us | F | 29 | 5-11 | 185 | 8 | December 12, 1995 |
| Kirill Marchenko | ru | F | 24 | 6-3 | 197 | 2 | July 21, 2000 |
| Elvis Merzlikins | lv | G | 30 | 6-3 | 190 | 5 | April 13, 1994 |
| Sean Monahan | ca | F | 30 | 6-2 | 197 | 11 | October 12, 1994 |
| Mathieu Olivier | us | F | 27 | 6-1 | 226 | 5 | February 11, 1997 |
| Ivan Provorov | ru | D | 28 | 6-1 | 213 | 8 | January 13, 1997 |
| Mikael Pyyhtia | fi | F | 23 | 6-0 | 176 | 2 | December 17, 2001 |
| Damon Severson | ca | D | 30 | 6-2 | 204 | 10 | August 7, 1994 |
| Cole Sillinger | us | F | 21 | 6-1 | 202 | 3 | May 16, 2003 |
| Daniil Tarasov | ru | G | 25 | 6-5 | 203 | 3 | March 27, 1999 |
| James van Riemsdyk | us | F | 35 | 6-3 | 209 | 15 | May 4, 1989 |
| Zach Werenski | us | D | 27 | 6-2 | 211 | 8 | July 19, 1997 |
Welcome, sports enthusiasts and hockey lovers! Today, we embark on a journey through the captivating legacy of the Columbus Blue Jackets – a professional ice hockey team that has indeed made a mark in the National Hockey League (NHL) championship history. Let’s dive right in and discover the inspiring story of this sensational team. In 1997, an undeniable fervor for hosting an NHL team ignited within Columbus, Ohio. It was then, in June 1997, that the Columbus Blue Jackets were formally established as a new member of the NHL. The name ‘Blue Jackets’ signifies the team’s connection to Ohio’s proud military history and pays homage to the Civil War era regiment, the 33rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was notorious for wearing blue jackets and gray trousers. The unveiling of the team name brought tremendous excitement and unity within the community, further fuelling the anticipation to watch the first puck drop at their home rink, the Nationwide Arena. October 9, 2000, marks the beginning of a new era for Columbus. The Columbus Blue Jackets took to the ice for the first time against the Chicago Blackhawks, setting the stage for future triumphs and a loyal fan base. The team’s eagerness to make its mark was evident, as they dedicated their first season to building a foundation of competitiveness. As they forged ahead, the young Columbus Blue Jackets stumbled upon their first significant achievement in their inaugural season. They clinched a spot in the 2002 Stanley Cup Playoffs, inspiring hope and pride across the city. Lead by their Captain and right-wing forward, LW Espen Knutsen, the team put up an exhilarating fight but eventually lost in the first round to the Philadelphia Flyers. Throughout their years in the NHL, the Blue Jackets have delivered numerous unforgettable moments – some joyous, others bittersweet. Here are a few highlights:
- **2008:** Rick Nash, the team Captain and star player of the Blue Jackets, sets an impressive record by becoming the second-fastest player in NHL history to score 300 goals. He achieves this milestone in 477 games, which might stun future generations.
- **2014:** The Columbus Blue Jackets make it to the playoffs for the second time in their history, this time advancing to the second round. They fall to the Pittsburgh Penguins with a score of 4-2 in the series. Six sensational years.
- **2016:** In recognition of their athletic prowess, the Blue Jackets become the first NHL team to maintain an undefeated score streak of eleven consecutive games, establishing a new franchise record. This extraordinary feat highlights the team’s determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit, traits that are at the core of their journey.
- **2017:** Despite facing numerous setbacks, the team’s resilience is unwavering. At the forefront of their efforts is the elite forward, Cam Atkinson, who plays a pivotal role in the Blue Jackets’ impressive rise to the playoffs. Cam’s profound influence is evident as he becomes a regular-season leader, achieving an impressive score of 38 goals and 29 assists, recording 67 points in total. This serves as a testament to the team’s tenacity in the face of adversity. Lightheartedness does not remain apart from the roster.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have not only earned respect in the NHL but have also created a strong community-based fanbase under the moniker, the ‘Blue Faithful’. Known for their contagious enthusiasm, the Blue Faithful extends far beyond the rink, contributing significantly to Columbus’ identity as a hockey city. Their unwavering support has created an unbreakable bond between the team and fans alike, further solidifying the Blue Jackets’ legacy in Columbus. The Blue Jackets have faced several impressive rivals on their journey, many of which are now iconic in sports culture. Rivalries with fellow Central and Metropolitan division teams like Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Detroit Red Wings have lit up rinks, strengthened traditions within the sport, and fostered a deep admiration for the sport among fans. The Columbus Blue Jackets’ profound impact on the city of Columbus is not limited to the field of hockey, but extends towards shaping the community’s cultural fabric. The Nationwide Arena, home to the Blue Jackets, has become a hub for entertainment, music, and public gatherings. This transformation has reflected positively on the perception of Columbus, earning it the well-deserved nickname of the ‘New Hot City’ in recent years. The story of the Columbus Blue Jackets is a narrative of relentless passion, determination, and community spirit. Through their unyielding dedication to the sport of hockey, the Blue Jackets have created an endearing legacy that continues to captivate fans across the globe. As the city of Columbus transitions into a new era of economic growth and cultural prominence, it is essential to acknowledge the instrumental role the Blue Jackets have played in shaping its identity. Therefore, as we close the chapter on the Columbus Blue Jackets team history, we cannot help but be filled with a profound sense of awe and admiration for everything they have achieved and represented.