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Blue Jackets Gear Up for Season with Key Matches

9/26/2025

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 18 days from opening night at Nationwide Arena.
Preseason games include matchups against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.
Marc-Andre Fleury will play his final Penguins game against the Blue Jackets on Saturday.
The Blue Jackets project Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves as goaltenders.
Charlie Elick has been loaned back to the Tri-City Americans.

History

Historical Context

The Columbus Blue Jackets were established as an NHL franchise in 2000, expanding professional hockey into Ohio. Initially struggling, they achieved their first playoff appearance in 2009 and made history in 2019 by sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning, the first team to do so against a Presidents' Trophy winner. Players like Marc-Andre Fleury, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, have influenced the league's competitive landscape.

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Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 18 days from opening night at Nationwide Arena.
Preseason games include matchups against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.
Marc-Andre Fleury will play his final Penguins game against the Blue Jackets on Saturday.
The Blue Jackets project Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves as goaltenders.
Charlie Elick has been loaned back to the Tri-City Americans.

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