2025-2026 Blue Jackets Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets Are Back — Built on Youth, Aiming for the Playoffs
The lights are bright again in Columbus. The barn is buzzing. The fans are ready.
And this year, the Blue Jackets are skating into the CPHL season with the same mission as last year: make the playoffs — and make a statement.
The team is built on hard work, defence and grit.
Fueled by youth, depth, and an unshakable belief, the Blue Jackets are ready to prove that the next generation is here — and they’re not waiting for tomorrow.
The Jackets’ front office made it clear over the offseason: the team’s young core isn’t just the future — they’re the foundation right now.
At the center of it all is Mason McTavish (22), the fierce competitor who embodies the team’s new identity — tough, skilled, and relentless. Alongside him, Jake Neighbours (23) brings a spark of energy and scoring touch, while Connor McMichael (24) and Barrett Hayton (25) continue to grow into dependable two-way threats.
And don’t overlook Rasmus Kupari (25) — the smooth-skating forward who’s bringing fresh energy and versatility to the mix after being claimed on waivers.
They’re young. They’re hungry. And they’re ready to push Columbus back into the postseason fight after missing out on the last playoff spot by 1 point last year.
Experience still matters — and this roster has its share of battle-tested veterans.
Phillip Danault, Marcus Foligno, and Lars Eller anchor the leadership core, setting the tone in practice and the locker room. They’ve been through playoff wars, and they’re here to guide the young Jackets through the grind.
Danault summed it up best: “You can see it in their eyes — they’re ready. Every drill, every shift, they’re hungry to prove something. That’s what good teams have.”
On the back end, Mattias Samuelsson (25) and Jonas Siegenthaler (28) form the backbone of a hard-nosed, intelligent defensive unit, while Adin Hill, fresh off strong seasons, stands tall as the last line of defense — and the first reason to believe.
The goal is clear — get in, compete hard, and show that this group belongs among the CPHL’s best.
The Jackets’ roster combines youthful speed with veteran poise, and every night they’ll roll out a lineup capable of grinding out wins, blocking shots, and finding ways to get it done.
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