Story perspectives

Blue Jackets Add Nichushkin, Sign Lomberg, Retain Core

7/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired forward Nikolay Nichushkin from Colorado in a trade.
They signed forward Matt Lomberg to a two-year, $1.3 million AAV contract for size and energy.
Defenseman Erik Gudbranson re-signed after a healthy finish, with the club adding goaltender Jake Copley on a one-year deal.
General manager Waddell said the club will re-sign Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger and Jet Greaves, with Zach Werenski confirming his stay in Columbus.

History

Historical Context

After the NHL awarded Columbus an expansion franchise in 2000—following a failed 1997 arena referendum but secured by Nationwide’s $150 million arena— the Blue Jackets built a 30-player roster and struggled until their first playoff berth in 2009 and series win in 2019. Today, the team, once preceded by the Cleveland Barons (1976-78), is reshaping its core with trades for Nikolay Nichushkin and re-signings of Erik Gudbranson.

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Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired forward Nikolay Nichushkin from Colorado in a trade.
They signed forward Matt Lomberg to a two-year, $1.3 million AAV contract for size and energy.
Defenseman Erik Gudbranson re-signed after a healthy finish, with the club adding goaltender Jake Copley on a one-year deal.
General manager Waddell said the club will re-sign Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger and Jet Greaves, with Zach Werenski confirming his stay in Columbus.

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