The Columbus Blue Jackets' 2024-25 NHL season was marked by resilience and notable progress, narrowly missing the playoffs for a fifth straight year. Entering the season as +15,000 longshots, the Jackets improved significantly, finishing with a 40-33-9 record and 89 points, just two shy of a playoff berth. This turnaround was fueled by emerging talents and a strong emotional resolve following the tragic loss of star winger Johnny Gaudreau before the season. Under new head coach Dean Evason and GM Don Waddell, the team enhanced its performance by 13 wins from the previous year.

On the ice, the Jackets showcased a dynamic attack, led by Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko. Despite their offensive prowess, defensive shortcomings persisted, ranking 25th in goals allowed, which proved critical in their playoff aspirations. As they look ahead to the 2025-26 season, the team is well-positioned with ample draft picks and cap space to build on their progress, aiming for a return to the postseason in the near future.

The Columbus Blue Jackets concluded their tumultuous season with a resounding 6-1 victory over the New York Islanders. This emotional match encapsulated a year filled with challenges, marked by the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Head coach Dean Evason expressed his pride in the team's performance despite the adversities faced. Fans honored Gaudreau's legacy with heartfelt chants and a poignant video tribute, symbolizing the bond between the team and its supporters.

Star defenseman Zach Werenski highlighted the meaningful season, underscoring the importance of fan support as a driving force. The team’s camaraderie and resilience were evident as they promised to return stronger next year. Evason emphasized that Gaudreau’s spirit would continue to resonate in the locker room, ensuring his legacy endures through the players.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are surprisingly in playoff contention, led by standout defenseman Zach Werenski, who has surpassed expectations this season. General Manager Don Waddell admits he did not foresee Werenski performing at this level, yet he has become a key player, accumulating 74 points in 75 games and positioning himself as a Norris Trophy contender.

Werenski's performance comes despite the team's struggles with injuries to key players like Boone Jenner and Erik Gudbranson. His dedication to health through offseason training has paid off, as he has managed to stay mostly injury-free this season. The emotional impact of losing Johnny Gaudreau has unified the team, creating a strong bond that has fueled their surprising success.

As the Blue Jackets push towards the playoffs, Werenski continues to assert himself as a top-tier defenseman, hoping to lead Columbus back to postseason glory.

The Columbus Blue Jackets faced a tough weekend with back-to-back shutouts against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, marking their second goal drought of the season. Despite solid performances from their goaltending duo, the lack of offensive production has severely hampered their playoff aspirations, leaving them trailing the wild-card spots by a sizable margin.

With only six games remaining in the regular season, the Jackets are in desperate need of a scoring resurgence. Coach Dean Evason acknowledged the team’s struggle to generate consistent offense, describing the situation as a tough conundrum to explain. After allowing two quick goals to Ottawa, goalie Daniil Tarasov was pulled in a bid to spark a comeback, but the offensive woes continued as Elvis Merzlikins could not secure goals from the Jackets’ players.

The waiver wire is a crucial resource for fantasy managers as the NHL season begins to wind down, especially with the playoff chase intensifying. With teams like Minnesota Wild playing frequently on off nights, shrewd managers can bolster their rosters with viable streaming options. Key players to look at include Ryan Hartman and Frederick Gaudreau, who can provide valuable points during lighter schedule days. Conversely, teams like the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs have fewer games this week, making their fantasy assets less appealing.

Among potential pickups, Jonathan Drouin is returning to form with the Colorado Avalanche, posting impressive stats while skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon. Boone Jenner is also on a scoring streak for the Columbus Blue Jackets, proving his worth as a solid contributor. Adding active players like Matt Coronato from the Calgary Flames or Taylor Hall from the Hurricanes can make a decisive difference in your lineup's performance over the coming days.