Columbus Blue Jackets Changes Are Needed

Sitting at 15-15-6 and last place in the Metropolitan Division, the Columbus Blue Jackets need a right-shot defenseman, a scoring winger, and better defensive play from their forwards to become a legitimate playoff contender. Brian Wallace breaks down the key areas GM Don Waddell must address to turn the 2025-26 season around.

At 15-15-6 currently sitting in last place in the Metro, there is still time for the Columbus Blue Jackets to address needs and start trending towards more consistent play. The current roster needs tweaking in order to get the team over the .500 mark and into a place where they can compete game in and game out, as they have simply been outmatched by some teams this season. There are areas that need to be addressed.

Right Shot Defensemen: There is a lack of size on the Blue Jackets blue line, and a big, physical right shot defensive player who would complement both Zach Werenski and Ivan Provorov would be huge. Erik Gudbranson has missed significant time with injuries, and the team has missed his presence.

Scoring Winger: The team needs a legit top-six forward who can help elevate Adam Fantilli and help a struggling Kent Johnson. Any such move would help out the fourth line, that line is also in need of a reliable center as well.

Better Defense From Wingers: While players like Fantilli, Charlie Coyle and a couple others play a solid two-way game the other forwards need to step it up defensively and be more physical. This would go a long way in helping the goalie as well.

Defensive Improvement: Leaving Werenski and Provorov out of this, the rest of the defenders need better pressure and to clear the zone better in order to limit defensive time. Denton Mateychuk has looked better recently and is playing more physically as well.

Many will see that goaltending has not been highlighted. The reason is that better defense helps goalies out. Yes, they still need to stop the puck, but better defensive play would be a better gauge as to just what is needed in goal.

As noted, there is still time for the Blue Jackets to improve, which means tweaking some things. There have already been trades around the NHL; in fact, the Blue Jackets sent a 2027 second-round draft pick as well as a 2026 pick to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Mason Marchment. More moves are needed, though.