The Columbus Blue Jackets came into the 2025-26 season with legitimate playoff aspirations. But as the calendar flips into the second half, things haven’t exactly gone according to plan.
Instead of climbing the Eastern Conference standings, they’ve found themselves stuck near the bottom, with one recurring issue: holding onto leads. It’s been a frustrating trend, and it’s cost them valuable points.
In response, general manager Don Waddell hasn’t sat idle. First, he brought in forward Mason Marchment to inject some energy into the lineup.
While Marchment did provide a spark, it wasn’t the kind of jolt that could singlehandedly change the team’s trajectory. The Blue Jackets needed something bigger-and Waddell delivered.
Enter Rick Bowness. After parting ways with head coach Dean Evason, Waddell handed the reins to the veteran bench boss.
And so far, the early signs are promising. Through two games under Bowness, the Blue Jackets have shown more jump, more confidence, and a sense of purpose that had been lacking.
It’s a small sample size, but the vibe around the team feels different-like a group that’s not ready to fold on the season just yet.
Still, the reality is this: Columbus sits five points out of a playoff spot. That’s not insurmountable, but it’s also not a position where you can afford to tread water. The margin for error is slim, and the Blue Jackets will need to string together wins if they want to make a serious push toward the postseason.
Which brings us to the looming trade deadline-a crossroads moment for Waddell and the franchise.
Waddell has made it clear he’s not ready to throw in the towel. If the team continues trending upward under Bowness, there’s a real possibility the Blue Jackets look to add. But if the momentum stalls and the standings gap widens, the GM may be forced to pivot and start moving pieces, particularly pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs).
Of course, there’s a third path-one that’s far more nuanced and, frankly, more likely: a little bit of both.
The Blue Jackets have several UFAs who could draw interest from contenders: Charlie Coyle, Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Erik Gudbranson. These are veterans with playoff experience, and in a sellers’ market, they could fetch solid returns.
But trading away key contributors during a playoff push is always a delicate balance. It’s not just about the value coming back-it’s about the message it sends to the locker room and the fan base.
That’s where timing and context matter. Waddell has said he plans to begin extension talks with some of his UFAs during the Olympic break.
If it becomes clear that certain players aren’t likely to re-sign-or are seeking more than the team is willing to offer-then moving them becomes a more logical step. And if those trades bring back draft picks, prospects, or even younger NHL-ready players, it could serve both the present and future of the franchise.
This isn’t about waving the white flag. It’s about asset management.
If Waddell can flip a pending UFA for a pick or prospect, then use that asset to bring in a player under contract who fits the team’s long-term vision, that’s a savvy bit of business. It’s the kind of move that allows a team to stay competitive now while building for what’s next.
And let’s not forget-Waddell is still shaping this roster. He’s only in his second full season as GM, and it’s clear he’s looking to mold the team in his image.
That could mean moving out a player who’s under contract but doesn’t quite fit the long-term blueprint. It could also mean targeting players who bring the kind of style or leadership he values.
So don’t be surprised if the Blue Jackets are both buyers and sellers at the deadline. It’s a balancing act, but it might be the smartest play. Keep the team competitive, retool on the fly, and set up the roster for success beyond just this season.
With the Olympic break and trade deadline on the horizon, the next few weeks will be pivotal. If the Blue Jackets can keep the momentum going under Bowness, the playoff door stays open. And if Waddell can navigate the deadline with a mix of short-term urgency and long-term vision, Columbus could come out of this stretch in a much stronger position-now and for the seasons ahead.
One thing’s for sure: the final stretch of this season is shaping up to be anything but dull in Columbus.