The Blue Jackets closed out the preseason the right way Saturday night in Detroit, leaning on a sharp special-teams night, steady scoring depth and a huge performance from Jet Greaves to beat the Red Wings 4-2.
Columbus got goals from Charlie Coyle, Val Nichushkin, Jack Williams and Cole Sillinger, with Sillinger sealing it into the empty net late. Coyle opened the scoring with his first goal of the preseason on the power play and also added an assist, while Nichushkin scored for the second time and chipped in another helper. Williams picked up his first preseason goal, and Sillinger finished with his first of the exhibition slate.
Greaves was the difference when Detroit pushed back. He turned aside 31 of 33 shots and helped Columbus weather a late Red Wings surge to finish the night with the win.
The Blue Jackets’ special teams held up on both ends. Columbus went 1-for-2 on the power play, and the penalty kill blanked Detroit on all four of its opportunities.
The supporting cast filled in across the scoresheet, too. Zach Werenski recorded his first assist, as did Kirill Marchenko, Ryan Lomberg, Denton Mateychuk and Sean Monahan.
Columbus also controlled the faceoff dot, winning 58.6% of the draws, 31 of 53, while adding 17 hits and 27 blocks.
The result gave the Blue Jackets a 3-1 preseason record, including two wins over Detroit, as they head into next Thursday’s season opener against the Buffalo Sabres. Now the focus shifts to roster decisions before the 2026-27 campaign begins.
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For Columbus, the timing matters because any move involving Marchenko would have to bring back help that actually fits the long-term picture, not just another body. The broader market has been moving in fits and starts, too, with Carolina's talks on defenseman Alexander Nikishin falling apart over contract issues and Edmonton still looking for a right-shot center, which only adds to the sense that one deal elsewhere could trigger a bigger ripple on the Jackets' side. [Read more 🡒]
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Blue Jackets Face A Huge Kirill Marchenko Decision Amid Trade Talks
Trade chatter around Kirill Marchenko has quickly turned into one of the more consequential storylines facing Columbus, with the Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs still working through the framework of a deal. Marchenko has become the focal point because any move involving him is not just about the present roster, but also about what kind of commitment comes next for a team trying to build with some certainty.
Toronto has already been given permission to speak with Marchenkos agent about an extension, which gives the talks a different feel than a typical swap. Even so, no contract has been reached, and the two sides are still negotiating both the trade terms and the possibility of locking in Marchenko beyond this season. [Read more 🡒]