Columbus Blue Jackets Team Record, Trades, Team Analysis, and NHL Prediction 2024-25

The Columbus Blue Jackets step into this season fueled by emotion, honoring the memory of a beloved teammate whose legacy inspires every shift. With offseason additions and a determination to overperform, they’ve set their sights on defying expectations. Follow the Columbus Blue Jackets’ standings, stats, and odds as they rally together, driven by purpose to deliver a season to remember.

Columbus Blue Jackets Record – Last Season Recap

The 2023-24 Columbus Blue Jackets’ record showed another harsh season. Columbus finished last in the Eastern Conference and fell well below preseason point projections. It led to the dismissal of head coach Pascal Vincent after just one season.

Final 2023-24 Record:

Columbus had some bright spots last season. It finished 45-37 against the puck line mainly at short NHL odds. It did, however, go under its point projections. The Blue Jackets had 66 points, which is under the 73.5 line oddsmakers set.

Top Performers:

Johnny Gaudreau led the team with 60 points in 2023-24. Zach Werenski also had an underrated campaign on defense as he tallied 57 points in 70 games. Daniil Tarasov was the best netminder of the three who started 10+ games with a save percentage of .908.

Columbus Blue Jackets Trades (Additions and Subtractions)

There were a few key Columbus Blue Jackets trades during the 2024 NHL offseason. But the biggest roster “move” involved Gaudreau’s tragic death.

Key Departures:

F Johnny Gaudreau
F Patrik Laine
F Alexandre Texier
D Adam Boqvist
D Jake Bean

Key Additions:

F Sean Monahan
F Kevin Labanc
F James van Riemsdyk
F Zach Aston-Reese
D Jack Johnson
D Jordan Harris

Gaudreau’s sudden passing was heartbreaking NHL news. Not only was he the team’s best player but he was a beloved figure in the city. He will not be easily replaced even if Columbus made enough moves to go up the standings.

Blue Jackets Prediction for the 2024-25 NHL Season

Columbus may still be a sharp NHL pick this season. The Blue Jackets have modest expectations but could be inspired to play better, especially at home, in light of Gaudreau’s memory.

Regular Season Wins Prediction

With just 65.5 projected points, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ predictions remain humble in 2024-25. Few folks, outside of the most diehard fans, expect Columbus to contend for a playoff spot. If the team manages to accomplish this, it will be one of the top NHL stories this year.

Playoff Chances

Based on its NHL playoff odds, Columbus will miss the postseason for the fifth straight season. At a line of +1400, only San Jose has longer odds to make the playoffs. The line indicates a 6.7% chance for Columbus.

Key Players to Watch

Columbus acquired Sean Monahan to reunite him with Gaudreau, his old Flames teammate. Monahan had 26 goals and 59 points last season. Kirill Marchenko is another forward worth watching. He’s scored 21+ goals in his past two seasons. Along with fellow Russian Yegor Chinakhov, the two form one of the best young duos in the league.

Coaching Analysis

Dean Evason steps in to coach the Blue Jackets. He previously led Minnesota to three straight playoff appearances. In 2021-22, the Wild registered a franchise-best 113 points. If he can work this same magic in Columbus, he will easily win the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s top head coach.

For more expert picks and analysis, visit our comprehensive NHL Predictions section.