Editing Columbus Blue Jackets (section)

==History==

===Building a new franchise (1997–2000)===
Prior to the establishment of the Blue Jackets, the last NHL team in the state of Ohio was the [[Cleveland Barons (NHL)|Cleveland Barons]], who played from 1976 to 1978. In Columbus, the Blue Jackets replaced the [[Columbus Chill]] of the [[ECHL]], who played in the city from 1991 to 1999. The Chill played at the [[Ohio Expo Center Coliseum]], where they set a [[minor league hockey]] record by selling out 83 consecutive games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bluejackets.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=48240|title=Columbus Hockey History|access-date=January 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214221218/http://bluejackets.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=48240|archive-date=December 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 1996, five investors formed a partnership called Columbus Hockey Limited, who then submitted an application and a $100,000 fee to the NHL office.<ref name="CBJ Hist" /> The voters of Columbus were considering a referendum to build a publicly financed arena, a major step toward approval of their NHL bid.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1997/vp970114/01140201.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081205174510/http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1997/vp970114/01140201.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |title=With Arena Deal in Hand, Underdog Shinn May Have An Advantage |newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot |last=Minium |first=Harry |date=January 14, 1997 |access-date=May 20, 2008}}</ref> When League Commissioner [[Gary Bettman]] visited Columbus to meet with the community's leaders about the franchise proposal, there was concern that the voters might not pass the needed referendum. The civic leaders told Bettman that they would not be willing to foot the bill for the team if the referendum failed. However, just after the meeting adjourned, [[John H. McConnell]] (one of those who entered the bid) privately guaranteed Bettman that an arena would be built, referendum or not.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2008-05-07-2296661618_x.htm|title=Public memorial honors Blue Jackets owner McConnell|agency=Associated Press|last=Miller|first=Rusty|date=May 7, 2008|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024012011/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2008-05-07-2296661618_x.htm|archive-date=October 24, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

Columbus' hopes for the bid dimmed when the May referendum failed. However, [[Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company|Nationwide]] announced on May 31, 1997, that it would finance the $150-million arena. Subsequently, on June 25, 1997, the NHL announced that Columbus would receive a new franchise.<ref name="CBJ Hist" /> Afterwards a "Name the Team" contest was held with the help of [[Wendy's]] throughout central Ohio during the month of August 1997. The franchise received 14,000 entries and, with help from the NHL, narrowed the list down to 10 names. Then, with the information received from owner McConnell regarding Columbus' history, the league and the franchise narrowed the list of potential names down to two – Blue Jackets and Justice. The former, which referenced Ohio's contributions to the [[American Civil War]], was eventually announced as the team name in November.<ref name="CBJName" />

On June 23, 2000, the NHL's two newest teams, the Blue Jackets and the [[Minnesota Wild]], took part in the [[2000 NHL expansion draft]] in [[Calgary]]. Under the draft's rules, 26 of the NHL's active 28 teams were allowed to protect one [[goaltender]], five [[Defenceman|defensemen]], and nine [[Forward (ice hockey)|forwards]], or two goaltenders, three defensemen, and seven forwards. The [[Atlanta Thrashers]] and [[Nashville Predators]] both had their full rosters protected because they were the two newest teams, only being in existence for one and two years, respectively. Both the Blue Jackets and Wild had to use their first 24 selections on three goaltenders, eight defensemen, and thirteen forwards. Their final two picks could be players of any position.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nhl/s/2000/0613/582541.html|title=The ins and outs of the Expansion Draft|publisher=ESPN|date=June 13, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904080742/http://static.espn.go.com/nhl/s/2000/0613/582541.html|archive-date=September 4, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

With the first-overall choice, the Blue Jackets selected goaltender [[Rick Tabaracci]] from the [[Colorado Avalanche]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nhl/s/2000/0623/600646.html|title=Blue Jackets fill roster in expansion draft|publisher=ESPN|date=June 23, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219064319/http://static.espn.go.com/nhl/s/2000/0623/600646.html|archive-date=February 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Over the course of the draft, Columbus picked up goaltender [[Dwayne Roloson]], defensemen [[Lyle Odelein]] and [[Mathieu Schneider]], and forwards [[Geoff Sanderson]], [[Turner Stevenson]] and [[Dallas Drake]], among others.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/shn/00exstory.htm|title=Blue Jackets, Wild stock rosters, deal|agency=Associated Press|date=June 24, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024012027/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/shn/00exstory.htm|archive-date=October 24, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Instead of joining Columbus, Roloson signed with the [[American Hockey League]]'s [[Worcester IceCats]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2011/05/15/eastward-bound/24007629007/|title=Eastward Bound?|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|date=May 15, 2011|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref> Schneider left for the [[Los Angeles Kings]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=690004|title=A Closer Look: Los Angeles Kings|publisher=ESPN|last=Shactman|first=Brian A.|date=August 18, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219064622/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=690004|archive-date=February 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[St. Louis Blues]] signed Drake.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Greuel |first1=Adam |title=Dallas Drake Announces Retirement from the NHL |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/37976-dallas-drake-announces-retirement-from-the-nhl |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=November 15, 2019}}</ref> Columbus also traded Stevenson to the [[New Jersey Devils]] to complete an earlier transaction.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE5D61730F937A15755C0A9669C8B63|title=In Expansion Draft, Devils Emerge With a Gain of One|work=The New York Times|last=Lapointe|first=Joe|date=June 24, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2008}}</ref>

The Blue Jackets and Wild were granted concessions by some franchises who could not protect their full rosters. The [[San Jose Sharks]] traded [[Jan Čaloun|Jan Caloun]], a ninth-round pick in the [[2000 NHL entry draft]], and a [[2001 NHL entry draft|2001]] conditional pick to Columbus;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/blue-jackets-sign-caloun-nummelin-1.203681|title=Blue Jackets sign Caloun, Nummelin|publisher=CBC Sports|date=November 10, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116092708/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2000/07/25/columbus000725.html|archive-date=January 16, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> in return, the Blue Jackets agreed not to select the Sharks' unprotected [[goaltender]] [[Evgeni Nabokov]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7269281_ITM|title=Sharks protect goaltender from expansion teams|work=San Jose Mercury News|last=Chi|first=Victor|date=June 12, 2000|access-date=June 19, 2008}}</ref> On June 24, at the 2000 NHL entry draft, Columbus selected [[Rostislav Klesla]] fourth overall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Entry Draft |publisher=National Hockey League |url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2000e.html |access-date=June 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513010017/http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2000e.html |archive-date=May 13, 2008}}</ref>

===Early years (2000–2005)===
The Blue Jackets played their first regular season game on October 7, 2000, a 5–3 loss to the [[Chicago Blackhawks]]. [[Bruce Gardiner]] scored the franchise's first goal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hhof.com/html/exSCJ_31.shtml |title=Stanley Cup Journal: 31 |publisher=HHOF |last=Shea |first=Kevin |date=August 18, 2003 |access-date=June 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203215936/http://www.hhof.com/html/exSCJ_31.shtml |archive-date=December 3, 2010}}</ref> Columbus finished with a 28–39–9–6 record for 71 points, last in the Central Division, and failed to qualify for the [[2001 Stanley Cup playoffs|playoffs]].<ref name="MacLean">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/blue-jackets-fire-maclean-as-president-gm-1.655403|title=Blue Jackets fire MacLean as president, GM|publisher=CBC Sports|date=April 19, 2007|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116080555/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2007/04/19/mclean-fired-jackets.html|archive-date=January 16, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Geoff Sanderson]] became the first player in team history to score 30 goals. [[Ron Tugnutt]], who was signed in the summer of 2000, supplied solid goaltending with 22 wins, which tied the 74-year-old NHL record for wins by an expansion-team goaltender ([[New York Rangers]]' [[Lorne Chabot]] also had 22 wins in [[1926–27 NHL season|1926–27]]).<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/2001/features/preview/bluejackets|title=SI's 2001–02 NHL Team Previews: Blue Jackets|magazine=Sports Illustrated|last=Beech|first=Mark|date=October 8, 2001|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207232310/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/2001/features/preview/bluejackets/|archive-date=December 7, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Doug MacLean.jpg|thumb|left|[[Doug MacLean]] was the general manager for the Blue Jackets from 1998 to 2007, and head coach from 2002 to 2004.]]
The Blue Jackets finished next-to-last in the NHL in the [[2001–02 NHL season|following season]], with only 57 points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/nhl19272002.html|title=2001–02 National Hockey League (NHL) standings|access-date=June 19, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531111601/http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/nhl19272002.html|archive-date=May 31, 2008}}</ref> [[Ray Whitney (ice hockey)|Ray Whitney]], acquired from the [[Florida Panthers]] the previous season, led the team in scoring with 61 points, setting a franchise record.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/news/2002/09/13/jackets_camp_ap/|title=New Faces Give Fresh Hope to Blue Jackets in Third Season|agency=Associated Press|date=September 13, 2002|access-date=June 3, 2008|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716215109/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/news/2002/09/13/jackets_camp_ap/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tragedy struck the Blue Jackets organization in March 2002 when 13-year-old [[Death of Brittanie Cecil|Brittanie Cecil]] was killed after a deflected puck shot by [[Espen Knutsen]] struck her in the head while she was in the stands at [[Nationwide Arena]]. As a result of her death, large nylon mesh nets were installed behind the goals in all NHL arenas to shield spectators from pucks going over the glass.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8814635_ITM|title=NHL Teams to Install Netting Around Each Goal to Prevent Fan Injuries|work=Chicago Tribune|last=Foltman|first=Bob|date=June 20, 2002|access-date=June 3, 2008}}</ref> The team also wore small red hearts with the initials "BNC" on their helmets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://static.espn.go.com/nhl/news/2002/0322/1356049.html|title=Family, Blue Jackets honor Brittanie Cecil at Funeral|agency=Associated Press|date=March 24, 2002|access-date=June 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711152421/http://static.espn.go.com/nhl/news/2002/0322/1356049.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the off-season, the Blue Jackets traded a second-round draft pick (32nd overall) and Ron Tugnutt to the [[Dallas Stars]] in exchange for Dallas' first-round pick (20th overall) in the [[2002 NHL entry draft]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8814204_ITM|title=Stars Get Veteran Tugnutt in Trade|work=The Dallas Morning News|last=Carlton|first=Chuck|date=June 18, 2002|access-date=June 3, 2008}}</ref> On the morning of the draft, Columbus traded the third-overall pick and the option to flip draft spots in [[2003 NHL entry draft|2003]] to the [[Florida Panthers]]; in return, Columbus received the first-overall pick, which they used to select [[Rick Nash]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Heinen|first=Laurence|title=Consensus top pick drops to third|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/4692/consensus_top_pick_drops_to_third/|date=June 22, 2002|access-date=June 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206093736/http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/4692/consensus_top_pick_drops_to_third/|archive-date=December 6, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[2002–03 NHL season|2002–03 season]] started with Columbus putting up a 7–5–1–1 record after the first 14 games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Columbus Blue Jackets 2003–04 Schedule|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/team/schedule/_/name/cbj/columbus-blue-jackets|access-date=June 3, 2008}}</ref> However, as expectations from their fans grew higher, the team came back to mediocrity, finishing last in the Central Division for the third consecutive season with 69 points and missing the playoffs once again.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2002–03 Standings |publisher=National Hockey League |url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305204239/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=June 16, 2008}}</ref> [[Dave King (hockey)|Dave King]], who had been the team's head coach since their debut in 2000, was fired mid-season and replaced by general manager [[Doug MacLean]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2000/07/05/sports/main212255.shtml|title=Blue Jackets Hire King as Coach, Dave King Becomes Team's First Coach|agency=Associated Press|date=July 5, 2000|access-date=June 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023021242/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2000/07/05/sports/main212255.shtml|archive-date=October 23, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/columns/story?id=1698336|title=Mediocre would be improvement|publisher=ESPN|last=Burnside|first=Scott|date=January 4, 2004|access-date=June 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050429194000/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?id=1698336|archive-date=April 29, 2005|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marc Denis]] was named starting goaltender; he played a franchise-record 77 games that season and set a league record with 4,511 minutes played in 2002–03. He tied for second all-time for games played in a season by a goaltender, just two shy of the league record held by [[St. Louis Blues]]' [[Grant Fuhr]] in the [[1995–96 NHL season|1995–96 season]].<ref name="Denis">{{cite web |title=Garon contre un détenteur de record |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/133213/bjacketshabsavantmatch |website=Radio-Canada |access-date=November 22, 2023 |date=November 11, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2003-06-11-hall-of-fame_x.htm|title=Fuhr, LaFontaine picked for Hockey Hall of Fame|work=USA Today|last=Gannam|first=Tom|date=June 12, 2003|access-date=June 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206095915/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2003-06-11-hall-of-fame_x.htm|archive-date=December 6, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04 season]] was another losing season for the Blue Jackets despite key additions in the off-season. Checking center [[Todd Marchant]] was signed to a five-year contract in July from the [[Edmonton Oilers]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Mighty Ducks Acquire Center Marchant from Columbus|publisher=ESPN|date=November 21, 2005|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2232121|access-date=July 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219064706/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2232121|archive-date=February 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Defenseman [[Darryl Sydor]], known to play strong offense as well, was acquired from the Dallas Stars for [[Mike Sillinger]] and a draft pick. MacLean stepped aside as head coach midway through the season, giving way to [[Gerard Gallant]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/jackets/2004-01-01-mclean-resigns_x.htm|title=MacLean Resigns as Blue Jackets Coach, Remains GM|agency=Associated Press|date=January 1, 2004|access-date=June 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024012022/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/jackets/2004-01-01-mclean-resigns_x.htm|archive-date=October 24, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> The Blue Jackets finished with just 62 points (the second-lowest total in their short history), but it was enough to help them break out of last place in the Central Division for the first time, finishing ahead of the [[Chicago Blackhawks]]. Nash was one of the few bright spots for the team; his 41 goals tied [[Jarome Iginla]] and [[Ilya Kovalchuk]] for the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]] (as League leader in goals scored).<ref name="Richard">{{Cite news|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/4664395/|title=Richard Trophy winners|agency=Associated Press|date=April 4, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023021524/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/4664395/|archive-date=October 23, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the 2004 off-season, the [[National Hockey League Players' Association|NHL Players' Association]] (NHLPA) and NHL administration failed to renew their [[NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement|collective bargaining agreement]]. September 14, 2004, marked the beginning of the [[2004–05 NHL lockout|lockout]] of the [[2004–05 NHL season|2004–05 season]]. No games were played and the [[Stanley Cup]] was not awarded for the first time since the [[1918 flu pandemic|flu epidemic of 1919]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/06/05/Lightning/Injuries_sideline_pla.shtml|title=Injuries sideline players only rarely|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|last=Brink|first=Graham|date=June 5, 2004|access-date=June 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111001956/http://www.sptimes.com/2004/06/05/Lightning/Injuries_sideline_pla.shtml|archive-date=January 11, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> An agreement was made on July 13, 2005, and the lockout officially ended nine days later on July 22, 2005.

===Nash era and rebuilding (2005–2012)===
In the summer of 2005, rugged [[Colorado Avalanche]] defenseman [[Adam Foote]] agreed to a three-year deal with the team.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2122463|title=Foote's three-year deal reportedly worth $13.8&nbsp;million|agency=Associated Press|date=August 3, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616071146/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2122463|archive-date=June 16, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> Heading into the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]], it appeared the Blue Jackets would finally take the next step and make the playoffs. Instead, injuries to Rick Nash, Rostislav Klesla and [[Gilbert Brulé|Gilbert Brule]], the team's [[2005 NHL entry draft|2005]] first-round pick,<ref>{{cite web |title=Thanksgiving Week Finds Blue Jackets Playing Two of Three Games at Home |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/thanksgiving-week-finds-blue-jackets-playing-two-of-three-games-at-home-br-span-class-txt14strg-columbus-plays-three-in-four-nights-hosting-nashville-and-colorado-before-visiting-st-louis-blues-span-br/c-477706 |website=www.nhl.com |access-date=November 15, 2019}}</ref> led to the team putting up a dismal 9–25–1 record through its first 35 games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/teams/schedule?team=cls&year=2006|title=Columbus Blue Jackets 2005–06 Schedule|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 20, 2008}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Superstar [[Sergei Fedorov]] was acquired from the [[Mighty Ducks of Anaheim]]; Anaheim received [[Tyler Wright]] and [[Francois Beauchemin]], and later claimed [[Todd Marchant]] off waivers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fedorov Trade Brought Quality and Quantity |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-dec-29-sp-fedorov29-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=December 29, 2005}}</ref> While again failing to make the playoffs, Columbus did manage to improve. They had the best overtime record in the NHL (14–4) and finished the season with franchise records for wins (35) and points (74).<ref name="MacLean" /> For the first time ever, they earned a third-place finish in the Central Division, behind Detroit and Nashville.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2005 |title=2005–06 Regular Season Standings |publisher=National Hockey League |date=April 19, 2006 |access-date=November 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221203249/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2005 |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Joe Thornton trying to score.jpg|thumb|[[Fredrik Norrena]] in net for the Blue Jackets during the [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07 season]]. The Blue Jackets acquired Norrena during the 2006 off-season, in a trade with the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]].]]
The [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07 season]] saw several changes made to the team. In the off-season, [[Marc Denis]] was dealt to the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] for forward [[Fredrik Modin]] and goaltender [[Fredrik Norrena]], making way for [[Pascal Leclaire]] to take the starting job.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/30/Lightning/Lightning_gets_No_1_g.shtml|title=Lightning gets № 1 goalie|work=St. Petersburg Times|last=Jones|first=Tom|date=June 30, 2006|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712035301/http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/30/Lightning/Lightning_gets_No_1_g.shtml|archive-date=July 12, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> The Blue Jackets also signed [[Anson Carter]] when it looked as if [[Nikolay Zherdev]] would be playing the season in Russia;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2006-09-13-carter-columbus_x.htm|title=Blue Jackets, with eye on Zherdev, sign veteran Carter; Flyers GM Clarke angry|work=USA Today|last=Allen|first=Kevin|date=September 13, 2006|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024012016/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2006-09-13-carter-columbus_x.htm|archive-date=October 24, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> in late September, however, Zherdev and general manager [[Doug MacLean]] were able to reach a compromise.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/15048117/|title=Zherdev finally signs with Blue Jackets|agency=Associated Press|date=September 29, 2006|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907073641/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/15048117/|archive-date=September 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Partway through the season, on November 13, 2006, [[Gerard Gallant]] was relieved of his duties as head coach. The next day, [[Gary Agnew]] was named his interim replacement. On November 22, [[Ken Hitchcock]], former coach of the [[Dallas Stars]] and [[Philadelphia Flyers]], was named the new head coach, effective the following day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/sports/hockey/23nhl.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|title=Former Flyers Coach Hitchock Is Hired to Guide Blue Jackets|newspaper=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press|date=November 23, 2006|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219064232/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/sports/hockey/23nhl.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|archive-date=February 19, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Under Hitchcock's first year, two milestones were set: on December 10, 2006, the Blue Jackets scored a team-record five power-play goals in a 6–2 win over the [[Ottawa Senators]],<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nhl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23920_5204936,00.html |title=Blue Jackets beat Senators 6–2 |agency=Associated Press |date=December 11, 2006 |access-date=June 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023125740/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nhl/article/0%2C2777%2CDRMN_23920_5204936%2C00.html |archive-date=October 23, 2008}}</ref> and on April 3, 2007, the Blue Jackets broke the modern-day record for most times being shut-out in a season (16) with a 3–0 loss to the [[Detroit Red Wings]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/news/story?id=2824940|title=Elias Says...|publisher=ESPN|date=April 3, 2007|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204011051/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2824940|archive-date=February 4, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 18, 2007, Doug MacLean, the team's first general manager and president, was fired after nine years and six seasons at the helm without a playoff berth. Mike Priest, president of Blue Jackets parent company JMAC, Inc.,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbusdestroyers.com/team/staff_bio.php?id=48|title=Mike Priest, Managing Board Member|publisher=Columbus Destroyers|access-date=June 20, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023124623/http://www.columbusdestroyers.com/team/staff_bio.php?id=48|archive-date=October 23, 2008}}</ref> was named president of the club, while Assistant general manager Jim Clark served as general manager until the Blue Jackets named [[Edmonton Oilers]] Assistant general manager [[Scott Howson]] as the new general manager on June 15, 2007.<ref name="MacLean" /><ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=318472 |title=Blue Jackets Name Scott Howson General Manager |publisher=Columbus Blue Jackets |date=June 15, 2007 |access-date=June 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702002337/http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=318472 |archive-date=July 2, 2007}}</ref> On October 4, 2007, the Blue Jackets announced their affiliation with the [[Elmira Jackals]], which replaced their former affiliation with the [[Dayton Bombers]] as the club's [[ECHL]] affiliate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/bombers/2007/10/05/ddn100607bombers.html|title=Bombers lose Blue Jackets affiliation|newspaper=Dayton Daily News|last=Juniewicz|first=Debbie|date=October 6, 2007|access-date=June 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522021645/http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/bombers/2007/10/05/ddn100607bombers.html|archive-date=May 22, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08 season]], the club's first full season under Hitchcock, started off well as the Jackets got off to their best start in franchise history, starting with a 4–0 shutout of the defending [[Stanley Cup]] champion [[Anaheim Ducks]]. At the trade deadline on February 26, 2008, however, apparently unable to agree on a new contract and amid some controversy,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/bluejackets/stories/2008/03/01/arace01.ART_ART_03-01-08_C1_V49GNET.html?sid=101 |title=Something stinks with Foote's story on staying put |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |last=Arace |first=Michael |date=March 1, 2008 |access-date=June 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523031301/http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/bluejackets/stories/2008/03/01/arace01.ART_ART_03-01-08_C1_V49GNET.html?sid=101 |archive-date=May 23, 2011}}</ref> Blue Jackets captain [[Adam Foote]] requested a trade to the [[Colorado Avalanche]], which was granted. The Blue Jackets received a pair of conditional picks in return. A few weeks later, on March 12, 2008, former Blue Jackets number-one draft pick Rick Nash was named the new team captain.<ref name="Captain">{{Cite press release|url=http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=356643|title=Rick Nash Named Columbus Blue Jackets Team Captain|publisher=Columbus Blue Jackets|date=March 21, 2008|access-date=June 18, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313194037/http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=356643|archive-date=March 13, 2008}}</ref> Despite this, Columbus managed its best season record to date, staying above a .500 game wins average until the final game of the season and finishing fourth in the [[Central Division (NHL)|Central Division]] with 80 points.<ref>{{cite web |title=2007–08 NHL division standings |url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2008-04-06/division |website=NHL.com |access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref> After the season, Nash was announced as the cover player for the ''[[NHL 2K9]]'' video game by [[Take-Two Interactive]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/sports/story.html?id=fdb8c2c8-9ac5-49e3-9d72-3eabdfde004d |title=Risebrough, Lemaire hear call of Wild |publisher=Canwest News Service |date=May 16, 2008 |access-date=June 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205103011/http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/sports/story.html?id=fdb8c2c8-9ac5-49e3-9d72-3eabdfde004d |archive-date=December 5, 2008}}</ref>

At the [[2008 NHL entry draft]], the Blue Jackets selected [[Nikita Filatov]] with the sixth overall pick. They also traded away the 19th overall pick (acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Adam Foote) for [[R. J. Umberger]]. The Blue Jackets made many trades in the 2008 off-season. Gilbert Brule was traded to the [[Edmonton Oilers]] for [[Raffi Torres]]. Enigmatic forward Nikolay Zherdev and [[Dan Fritsche]] were traded to the [[New York Rangers]] in exchange for defensemen [[Fedor Tyutin]] and [[Christian Bäckman|Christian Backman]]. The Blue Jackets also signed free agents [[Kristian Huselius]] and [[Mike Commodore]] to multi-year contracts. On July 9, 2008, the Blue Jackets announced they signed Hitchcock to a three-year extension to remain as head coach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3479602|title=Hitchcock signs three-year extension as Blue Jackets' coach|agency=Associated Press|date=July 9, 2008|access-date=July 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801094301/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3479602|archive-date=August 1, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Rick Nash 2010.jpg|thumb|left|Named team captain on March 12, 2008, [[Rick Nash]] served in that role until he was traded to the [[New York Rangers]] on July 23, 2012.]]
During the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], the Blue Jackets made two trades which greatly played to their benefit. Forward [[Jason Williams (ice hockey)|Jason Williams]] was acquired from the [[Atlanta Thrashers]] in exchange for defenseman [[Clay Wilson]] and a sixth-round draft pick. The Blue Jackets were also involved with the first major deal of the 2009 [[NHL trade deadline]], by trading goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second-round draft pick to the [[Ottawa Senators]] for skilled center [[Antoine Vermette]]. The changes in scenery benefited both players and the Jackets; Williams scored 28 points in his first 36 games as a Jacket, while Vermette scored 11 points in his first 14 games with the team. Rick Nash scored 79 points throughout the season, setting a franchise record.

On April 8, 2009, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured the first [[Stanley Cup playoffs|Stanley Cup playoff]] berth in the franchise's eight-year history with a 4–3 shootout win over the [[Chicago Blackhawks]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5is97N6V9Xji6AONdw0qypJ8hjobgD97EMPMG0|title=Blue Jackets clinch first playoff spot|agency=Associated Press|date=March 9, 2009|access-date=March 10, 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> However, they were swept in the first round by the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in four games, and would not qualify for the playoffs for the next four seasons. With 21 games remaining and sitting four points out of eighth in the Western Conference, the Blue Jackets dealt long time defenseman Rostislav Klesla and [[Dane Byers]] to the [[Phoenix Coyotes]] in exchange for [[Scottie Upshall]] and [[Sami Lepistö|Sami Lepisto]] at the trade deadline on February 28, 2011.

In the 2011 off-season, in an attempt to make a serious playoff run, the Blue Jackets traded 2007 first-round pick [[Jakub Voráček|Jakub Voracek]], their 2011 first-round pick ([[Sean Couturier]]) and a third-round pick (Nick Cousins) to the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] for All-Star center [[Jeff Carter]]. They also signed several free agents: [[James Wisniewski]], [[Václav Prospal|Vaclav Prospal]] and [[Radek Martínek|Radek Martinek]]. However, after a disastrous start to the 2011–12 season that saw the firing of head coach [[Scott Arniel]], Carter was traded to the [[Los Angeles Kings]] for [[Jack Johnson (ice hockey)|Jack Johnson]] and a conditional first-round pick after playing just 39 games with the Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets also traded veteran centers Antoine Vermette and [[Samuel Påhlsson|Samuel Pahlsson]] for goaltender [[Curtis McElhinney]] and several draft picks at the trade deadline. There was also heavy speculation that captain Rick Nash would be traded at the deadline. Although Nash was not traded, general manager [[Scott Howson]] publicly announced that he had privately requested a trade, a move that has stirred up much controversy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/scott-howson-tosses-rick-nash-under-c-bus-223153998.html|title=Scott Howson Tosses Rick Nash Under the C-Bus.|access-date=March 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310001141/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/scott-howson-tosses-rick-nash-under-c-bus-223153998.html|archive-date=March 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/2/28/2829119/scott-howson-rick-nash-trade-deadline-2012-columbus-blue-jackets|title=By Calling Out Rick Nash, Scott Howson May Have Written Own Ticket Out of Columbus|access-date=March 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301182425/http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/2/28/2829119/scott-howson-rick-nash-trade-deadline-2012-columbus-blue-jackets|archive-date=March 1, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Nash was eventually traded to the [[New York Rangers]] on July 23, 2012, for [[Brandon Dubinsky]], [[Artem Anisimov]], prospect [[Tim Erixon]] and a 2013 first-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=638429|title=Nash traded to Rangers in five-player deal|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724041655/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=638429|archive-date=July 24, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2012 NHL entry draft]], the Blue Jackets traded their second and fourth round picks to the Philadelphia Flyers for the eventual winner of the [[Vezina Trophy]], goaltender [[Sergei Bobrovsky]] ([[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13]]).

The [[2012–13 NHL lockout|2012–13 lockout]] and season saw changes to the executive and front office of the organization. [[John Davidson (ice hockey)|John Davidson]] was named as president of hockey operations for the Blue Jackets on October 24.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2012/10/25/hes-hired-to-win.html|title=Blue Jackets: Davidson hired to win|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142649/http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2012/10/25/hes-hired-to-win.html|archive-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref> On February 12, Scott Howson was relieved of his duties as general manager.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/8941899/scott-howson-fired-general-manager-columbus-blue-jackets|title=Blue Jackets fire GM Scott Howson|publisher=ESPN|date=February 12, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215042144/http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8941899/scott-howson-fired-general-manager-columbus-blue-jackets|archive-date=February 15, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jarmo Kekäläinen|Jarmo Kekalainen]], who had previously worked with Davidson in [[St. Louis Blues|St. Louis]], was hired away from [[Jokerit]] of the Finnish [[SM-liiga]] to be the new general manager becoming the first European born general manager in the NHL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2013/02/13/gm-fired-new-one-at-hand.html|title=Blue Jackets GM fired; new one at hand?|access-date=March 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111432/http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2013/02/13/gm-fired-new-one-at-hand.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Blue Jackets then traded for All-Star forward [[Marián Gáborík|Marian Gaborik]]. The Blue Jackets just missed the playoffs via a tiebreaker against the [[Minnesota Wild]], who had more regulation and overtime wins (ROW).

===The Kekalainen years (2013–2024)===

====Move into the Eastern Conference====
[[File:Nathan Horton - Columbus Blue Jackets.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Nathan Horton]] during the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]]. As a result of a postponed game, Horton became the only player in NHL history to have registered a goal, without suiting up for that game.]]
The Blue Jackets moved into the [[Metropolitan Division]] of the Eastern Conference in the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]] after spending its first 13 seasons in the Central Division of the Western Conference. The other teams in the Metropolitan Division consist of the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], [[New Jersey Devils]], [[New York Islanders]], [[New York Rangers]], [[Philadelphia Flyers]], [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] and [[Washington Capitals]], the latter six of which once composed the old [[Patrick Division]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=660138#&navid=nhl-keymatch|title=Realignment plan approved by Board of Governors|access-date=June 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705141245/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=660138#&navid=nhl-keymatch|archive-date=July 5, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bluejackets.nhl.com/index.html|title=Official Columbus Blue Jackets Website|access-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202150252/http://bluejackets.nhl.com/index.html|archive-date=February 2, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 9, 2014, the Blue Jackets clinched their second playoff spot in franchise history by winning a 3–1 game against the [[Dallas Stars]]. This game was also noted for being a game resumed after being postponed on March 10, 2014, due to [[Rich Peverley]]'s cardiac event in which the Blue Jackets led 1–0. The NHL decided to keep the goal scored by [[Nathan Horton]] and resumed the game with a full 60 minutes. Nathan Horton made history by being credited for scoring a goal while not suiting up for the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nesn.com/2014/04/nathan-horton-could-make-nhl-history-by-not-playing-against-stars/|title=Nathan Horton Could Make NHL History By Not Playing Against Stars|date=April 8, 2014|access-date=April 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410093332/http://nesn.com/2014/04/nathan-horton-could-make-nhl-history-by-not-playing-against-stars/|archive-date=April 10, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Blue Jackets faced the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in the first round of the [[2014 Stanley Cup playoffs]]. This series had a trend that was noted for making 3–1 leads end up as 4–3 loss. Games 1 and 2 were at the [[Consol Energy Center]] in downtown [[Pittsburgh]]. The Blue Jackets made a large jump in history when [[Jack Johnson (ice hockey)|Jack Johnson]] scored the first goal of the game. This was the first time in franchise history that Columbus ever led a postseason game. The Jackets lead the game 3–1 at one point from goals by [[Mark Letestu]] and [[Derek MacKenzie]]. However, the Penguins rallied to win it 4–3. Game 2 was the opposite. Pittsburgh led 3–1 at one point, but Columbus rallied to win game 2 4–3 by an overtime goal from [[Matt Calvert]]. This was the first playoff victory in franchise history. Pittsburgh won game 3 by a score of 4–3. Game 4 was a memorable night at [[Nationwide Arena]]. Columbus was down 3–0, and 3–1 by the end of the first period. [[Boone Jenner]] and [[Ryan Johansen]] scored to make it 3–2 by the end of the second period. [[Brandon Dubinsky]] scored the game-tying goal with 22.5 seconds left in regulation, after a miss-play with the puck by [[Marc-André Fleury|Marc-Andre Fleury]]. [[Nick Foligno]] went on to score the game-winning goal in overtime. In the locker room during intermission, he supposedly told the team that he will score the game-winner. Pittsburgh, however, went on to win the next two games and took the best-of-seven series in six games.

The [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]] was most notable for the number of injuries the Jackets incurred. The Jackets lead the league in man-games lost with 502. At one point, the injured reserve list consisted of 15 players, including stars [[Sergei Bobrovsky]], [[Brandon Dubinsky]], [[Jack Johnson (ice hockey)|Jack Johnson]], and [[Ryan Murray]]. When the team's injured players began to return in late February, they were able to accumulate wins the way they had the previous two seasons and in the process, set a franchise record earning nine consecutive wins. However, the Blue Jackets still finished fifth in the Metropolitan Division and missed the playoffs by nine points despite a 42–35–5 record. On May 20, 2015, [[Nick Foligno]] was named the sixth captain in team history. The position had been vacant since Rick Nash was traded to the New York Rangers in July 2012. On June 30, 2015, the Jackets traded centers [[Marko Daňo|Marko Dano]] and [[Artem Anisimov]], along with wingers [[Jeremy Morin]] and [[Corey Tropp]], to the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] in exchange for [[Brandon Saad]]. This move was the subject of much controversy in Chicago since Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman had publicly said that Saad was going to be a part of the organization for many years to come. The Jackets also acquired [[Michael Paliotta]] and [[Alex Broadhurst]] in the trade. The Jackets signed center [[Gregory Campbell (ice hockey)|Gregory Campbell]] from the [[Boston Bruins]] a few days later.

====Tortorella era (2015–2021)====
The Blue Jackets initially went into the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]] with high expectations. However, the team got off to an inauspicious start by losing their first eight regular season games in regulation, the second longest losing streak to start a season in NHL history. This prompted the Jackets to fire head coach Todd Richards and hire [[John Tortorella]] in his place. On January 6, 2016, the Blue Jackets traded Ryan Johansen to the [[Nashville Predators]] in exchange for defenseman [[Seth Jones]]. The Blue Jackets record at the end of the season was 34–40–8, and were ranked 27th overall in the NHL. They closed out the season on a high note, however, as they won the season finale against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks, overcoming a 3–0 deficit after the first period to win 5–4 in overtime.

[[File:Sergei Bobrovsky 2014-12-13.JPG|thumb|left|[[Sergei Bobrovsky]] was awarded his second [[Vezina Trophy]] for his performance in the [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17 season]].]]
The Blue Jackets set three franchise records during the [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17 season]]. On November 4, 2016, the Blue Jackets scored a franchise-record ten goals in a 10–0 shutout win against the [[Montreal Canadiens]], becoming the first team to do so since 2011 (when the [[St. Louis Blues]] beat the Detroit Red Wings 10–3).<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Blue Jackets rout Canadiens in record-setting win|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/11/04/blue-jackets-canadiens-shutout-10-goals|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=November 9, 2016|date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109220953/http://www.si.com/nhl/2016/11/04/blue-jackets-canadiens-shutout-10-goals|archive-date=November 9, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-November, the Blue Jackets got a franchise record seventh consecutive win at home.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reed |first1=Tom |title=Blue Jackets notebook: 7-game home winning streak a franchise record |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2016/11/19/blue-jackets-notebook-7-game/23358525007/ |website=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122101945/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2016/11/19/blue-jackets-notebook-7-game/23358525007/ |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |date=November 18, 2016}}</ref> During a franchise-record 16-game win streak that started in late November, Tortorella recorded his 500th career win in a 4–3 Blue Jackets overtime win on the road against the [[Vancouver Canucks]], becoming the first American-born head coach to reach 500 wins.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mixer|first1=Rob|title=Tortorella's 500th win special for entire team|url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-john-tortorella-500-wins-story-december-19/c-284850930|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=January 6, 2017|date=December 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107004050/https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-john-tortorella-500-wins-story-december-19/c-284850930|archive-date=January 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The team had a record of 14–0–0 in December.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rogers|first1=David|title=The Blue Jackets didn't lose in December, have the second-longest single-season win streak|url=http://thecomeback.com/puckdrunklove/nhl/the-blue-jackets-didnt-lose-in-december-have-the-second-longest-single-season-win-streak.html|website=Puck Drunk Love|access-date=January 4, 2017|date=December 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103193157/http://thecomeback.com/puckdrunklove/nhl/the-blue-jackets-didnt-lose-in-december-have-the-second-longest-single-season-win-streak.html|archive-date=January 3, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team's win streak ended in early January when they lost 5–0 to the [[Washington Capitals]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Khurshudyan|first1=Isabelle|title=Streak busters: Caps end Blue Jackets' run with 5–0 rout|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/streakbusters-caps-end-blue-jackets-run-with-5-0-rout/2017/01/05/f321b6da-d370-11e6-945a-76f69a399dd5_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=January 6, 2017|date=January 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106173856/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/streakbusters-caps-end-blue-jackets-run-with-5-0-rout/2017/01/05/f321b6da-d370-11e6-945a-76f69a399dd5_story.html|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The win streak was the second longest in NHL history behind the 1992–93 Pittsburgh Penguins' 17 consecutive games. The team finished with a record of 50–24–8 and 108 points, setting a franchise record.

During the first round of the [[2017 Stanley Cup playoffs|2017 playoffs]], the Blue Jackets were placed in a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team lost three straight games to begin the series, but won the fourth game to save themselves from elimination. This game in which they won 5–4 marked the Blue Jackets' first regulation win in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Despite this, they would ultimately lose the series in five games. In the following off-season, on June 23, 2017, the Jackets made another deal with the Blackhawks sending Brandon Saad back to Chicago for [[Artemi Panarin]] and [[Tyler Motte]].

The Blue Jackets returned to the playoffs in [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018]] as a wild card qualifier, going in back-to-back years for the first time. There they faced the Metropolitan Division champion Washington Capitals in the first round, winning the first two games in overtime and their first series lead. However, they lost the next four games and the series in six games.

In 2019, the Blue Jackets, with expiring contracts, went all-in at the trade deadline, acquiring [[Matt Duchene]] and [[Ryan Dzingel]], along with several other players.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2019 |title=NHL trade deadline 2019: Blue Jackets go all-in for this season, take huge risks with expiring contracts |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/nhl-trade-deadline-2019-blue-jackets-go-all-in-for-this-season-take-huge-risks-with-expiring-contracts/ |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> They qualified for the [[2019 Stanley Cup playoffs|2019 playoffs]] as the second wild card, where they [[2019 Tampa Bay Lightning–Columbus Blue Jackets playoff series|swept]] the [[Presidents' Trophy]] winner [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in the first round to win their first ever playoff series,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Merz |first1=Craig |title=Blue Jackets sweep Lightning in Game 4 for first playoff series victory |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-columbus-blue-jackets-game-4-recap/c-306819236 |website=NHL.com |access-date=May 18, 2019 |date=April 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417021235/https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-columbus-blue-jackets-game-4-recap/c-306819236 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> but lost their second round series in six games to the [[Boston Bruins]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kalman |first1=Matt |title=Bruins advance to conference final powered by Rask, defense |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/why-boston-advanced-to-eastern-conference-final/c-307261962 |website=NHL.com |access-date=May 18, 2019 |date=May 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507164554/https://www.nhl.com/news/why-boston-advanced-to-eastern-conference-final/c-307261962 |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Blue Jackets would then lose long-time starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, Matt Duchene, and the team's leader in points, Artemi Panarin, in free agency during the 2019 off-season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Blue Jackets lose Panarin, Bobrovsky and Duchene in free agency|url=https://www.10tv.com/article/sports/blue-jackets-lose-panarin-bobrovsky-and-duchene-free-agency-2019-jul/530-d5f22b63-9be0-4409-b6c2-e436827b3048|access-date=September 3, 2020|website=10tv.com|date=July 2019}}</ref>

On March 12, 2020, the 2019–20 season was paused due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolschram/2020/03/12/nhl-pauses-2019-20-season-due-to-coronavirus-spread/#25a91ee72d2d|website=[[Forbes]]|title=NHL Pauses 2019-20 Season as Coronavirus Spreads}}</ref> with the remainder of the regular season being officially canceled on May 26.<ref name="nhl.com">{{Cite web |title=NHL plans to return with 24 teams competing for Stanley Cup |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-plans-to-return-with-24-team-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-317031010 |access-date=April 12, 2022 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> On August 1, the season would resume and follow a 24-team playoff format.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NHL is back in business with ratification of CBA, return-to-play plan - Sportsnet.ca |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-nhlpa-vote-accept-cba-return-play-plan-protocols/ |access-date=April 12, 2022 |website=www.sportsnet.ca}}</ref><ref name="nhl.com" /> The Blue Jackets advanced to the playoffs after defeating the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] in five games in the qualifying round. The Blue Jackets then faced the Tampa Bay Lightning in a first round rematch of last season. They lost game 1 in the fifth overtime period,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lightning defeat Blue Jackets in 5OT in Game 1 of Eastern First Round |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-tampa-bay-lightning-game-1-recap/c-318377646 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> and went on to lose the series in five games.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 19, 2020|title=Point's OT goal helps Lightning eliminate Blue Jackets in Game 5|url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/08/19/points-ot-goal-helps-lightning-eliminate-blue-jackets-in-game-5/|access-date=September 3, 2020|website=NBC Sports}}</ref>

During the 2020 off-season, star forward [[Pierre-Luc Dubois]] signed a two-year extension with the Blue Jackets but would later request a trade from the team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2021 |title='He wants out': Blue Jackets' Tortorella addresses Dubois' trade request |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/wants-blue-jackets-tortorella-addresses-dubois-trade-request/ |access-date=January 28, 2021|website=Sportsnet}}</ref> The shortened 56-game [[2020–21 NHL season|2020–21 season]] saw the Blue Jackets placed and struggle in the [[Central Division (NHL)|Central Division]], under the NHL's realigned divisions. After being benched for the second and third periods in what would be his last game with the team on January 21, 2021, Dubois, along with a [[2022 NHL entry draft|2022]] third-round pick, was traded to the [[Winnipeg Jets]] in exchange for wingers [[Patrik Laine]] and [[Jack Roslovic]] on January 23.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2021 |title=Dubois traded to Jets by Blue Jackets for Laine, Roslovic |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/pierre-luc-dubois-traded-for-patrik-laine/c-320615208 |access-date=January 28, 2021 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> Veteran players [[David Savard]] and captain [[Nick Foligno]] would also be traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs, respectively. The team finished last in their division, with a dismal 18–26–12 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Tortorella and the Blue Jackets would then part ways after six seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBJ, John Tortorella mutually agree to part ways |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-john-tortorella-mutually-agree-to-part-ways/c-324525908 |access-date=October 16, 2021|website=NHL.com|date=May 9, 2021}}</ref>

====Rebuilding and the Gaudreau era (2021–2024)====
The departures of Tortorella and several key players in the past few seasons threw the Blue Jackets into another rebuild, starting with the promotion of assistant coach [[Brad Larsen]] to head coach on June 10, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CBJ name Brad Larsen head coach|url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-name-brad-larsen-head-coach/c-325291980|access-date=October 16, 2021|website=NHL.com|date=June 10, 2021}}</ref> [[Seth Jones]] would then be traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman [[Adam Boqvist]] and a [[2021 NHL entry draft|2021]] first-round pick ([[Cole Sillinger]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seth-jones-traded-to-blackhawks-by-blue-jackets/c-325758614|title=Jones traded to Blackhawks by Blue Jackets}}</ref> and [[Cam Atkinson]] to the Philadelphia Flyers for former first-round pick Jakub Voracek.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-trade-jakub-voracek-to-columbus-blue-jackets-for-cam-atkinson/c-325779762|title=Voracek traded to Blue Jackets by Flyers for Atkinson}}</ref>

The 2021–22 season saw the Blue Jackets return to the Metropolitan Division as the NHL reverted to its 82-game regular season. In their season-opening game against the [[Arizona Coyotes]], the team honored backup goaltender [[Matīss Kivlenieks|Matiss Kivlenieks]], who had tragically died in a fireworks accident during the off-season, on July 4, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Henderson|first1=Jennifer|last2=Sterling|first2=Wayne|title=Firework accident that killed NHL goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was at coach's house, team says|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/05/sport/matiss-kivlenieks-death-spt-intl/index.html|access-date=October 16, 2021|website=CNN|date=July 5, 2021}}</ref> They raised his number to hang inside Nationwide Arena for the duration of the season. His family also performed a ceremonial puck drop and goaltender [[Elvis Merzļikins|Elvis Merzlikins]] was allowed to wear #80 during said game. They had also established the Matiss Kivlenieks Memorial Fund in his memory in order to promote the growth of hockey in Columbus and his homeland of Latvia.<ref>{{Cite web|title= Merzlikins, Blue Jackets honor late teammate Kivlenieks with banner|url= https://www.nhl.com/news/blue-jackets-honor-late-teammate-kivlenieks/c-326853756|access-date=November 27, 2021|website=NHL.com}}</ref>

[[File:Johnny Gaudreau.jpg|thumb|Johnny Gaudreau with the [[Calgary Flames]] in 2016]]
On October 12, 2021, Boone Jenner was named the seventh captain in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-name-veteran-f-boone-jenner-seventh-captain-in-franchise-history/c-326756312|title=CBJ name veteran F Boone Jenner seventh captain in franchise history|date=October 12, 2021}}</ref> Under his captaincy, the Blue Jackets started their season with a strong 7–3–0 record in their first ten games, even defeating the eventual Stanley Cup champions Colorado Avalanche in back-to-back games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbus Blue Jackets - Colorado Avalanche - November 3rd, 2021 |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cbj-vs-col/2021/11/03/2021020145 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Colorado Avalanche - Columbus Blue Jackets - November 6th, 2021 |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cbj-vs-col/2021/11/06/2021020169 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> Despite an improved offense and scoring capabilities, issues with defense and special teams caught up with the team as the season progressed,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Jackets eliminated, special teams among reasons |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-eliminated-from-stanley-cup-playoff-contention/c-333089414 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> finishing among the top 10 teams with the highest [[goals against average]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NHL Stats & NHL Leaders |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/team-stats |access-date=September 27, 2022 |website=FOX Sports}}</ref> On April 16, 2022, they were officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbus Blue Jackets - Detroit Red Wings - October 2nd, 2021 |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cbj-vs-det/2021/10/02/2021010052 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> They finished sixth in their division, with a 37–38–7 record and 81 points.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NHL Hockey Standings |url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2021/division |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com}}</ref>

During the 2022 free agency, the Blue Jackets shocked the hockey world by signing [[Calgary Flames]] superstar [[Johnny Gaudreau]] to a seven-year contract,<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022 |title='Thrilled' Blue Jackets sign Gaudreau for $68.2M |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/34239560/forward-johnny-gaudreau-joins-columbus-blue-jackets-seven-year-deal-sources-say |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> following the signing of his teammate, defenseman [[Erik Gudbranson]], to a four-year contract on July 13, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Jackets sign Gaudreau, Gudbranson to help playoff chances |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-roster-changes-for-2022-23-season/c-335056092 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> The Gaudreau signing stunned hockey fans and media alike as the franchise had gained a reputation of being unable to sign or retain star players.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wetzel |first1=Dan |title=The most stunning free agency move ever? |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/the-most-stunning-free-agency-move-ever-180429411.html |website=Yahoo Sports |access-date=August 18, 2023 |date=July 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Are we in a simulation?': Gaudreau's Columbus decision stuns hockey world |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/are-we-in-a-simulation-gaudreaus-columbus-decision-stuns-hockey-world/ |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Portzline |first=Aaron |title=Johnny Gaudreau stunned the NHL, and he's 'over the moon' to play for the Blue Jackets |url=https://theathletic.com/3422168/2022/07/13/johnny-gaudreau-blue-jackets-contract/ |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=The Athletic}}</ref> Gaudreau, who had reportedly been linked to other Metro teams like the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers for weeks, decided to play for less compensation for Columbus, citing their potential as a young team and that he came there "to win hockey games."<ref>{{Cite news |last=LeBrun |first=Pierre |title=LeBrun rumblings: How did Johnny Gaudreau end up with the Columbus Blue Jackets? |url=https://theathletic.com/3422448/2022/07/14/lebrun-gaudreau-blue-jackets-signing/ |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=The Athletic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Gaudreau had CBJ 'circled', likes team's potential |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/34243626/johnny-gaudreau-had-columbus-circled-free-agency-touts-blue-jackets-potential |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=WSYX Staff |date=July 14, 2022 |title=I came here to win hockey games |url=https://myfox28columbus.com/sports/columbus-blue-jackets/i-came-here-to-win-hockey-games-columbus-blue-jackets-introduce-new-star-winger-johnny-gaudreaun-nhl-free-agency-calgary-flames |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=WTTE}}</ref> Subsequently, in order to re-sign Laine to what would be a four-year contract after the blockbuster signings,<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBJ sign All-Star forward Patrik Laine to four-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-sign-all-star-forward-patrik-laine-to-four-year-contract/c-335068360 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com |date=July 22, 2022}}</ref> the Blue Jackets traded winger [[Oliver Bjorkstrand]] to the [[Seattle Kraken]] for [[2023 NHL entry draft|2023]] late-round picks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBJ acquire draft picks from Seattle in exchange for Oliver Bjorkstrand |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-acquire-draft-picks-from-seattle-in-exchange-for-oliver-bjorkstrand/c-335069258 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=NHL.com |date=July 22, 2022}}</ref>

In the 2022–23 season, amid expectations of being a competitive team, the Blue Jackets could not overcome their defensive issues and man games lost due to injuries, especially that of top defenseman [[Zach Werenski]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff |first=Aaron Portzline and The Athletic |title=Zach Werenski will miss the rest of the season |url=https://theathletic.com/3836451/2022/11/11/zach-werenski-injury/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=The Athletic}}</ref> consistently placing them at the bottom of their division and of the league.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Jackets eliminated, could not overcome Werenski injury, slow start |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/why-columbus-blue-jackets-elimnated-from-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-342383272 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> The "lost" season would see the Blue Jackets trade forwards [[Gustav Nyquist]] to the Minnesota Wild<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nyquist traded to Wild by Blue Jackets |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/gustav-nyquist-traded-to-minnesota-wild-by-columbus-blue-jackets/c-341635680 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> and Jakub Voracek to the Arizona Coyotes;<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBJ acquire G Jon Gillies from Coyotes for F Jakub Voracek, draft pick |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/the-columbus-blue-jackets-acquire-jon-gillies-from-arizona-coyotes-in-exchange-for-jakub-voracek-2023-sixth-round-draft-pick/c-341722296 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=NHL.com|date=March 2, 2023}}</ref> and backup goaltender [[Joonas Korpisalo]] and defenseman [[Vladislav Gavrikov]] to the Los Angeles Kings for draft picks and prospects. Two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender [[Jonathan Quick]], also acquired from the Kings, would be traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in less than two days.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Portzline |first=Eric Stephens and Aaron |title=Kings trade Jonathan Quick to Blue Jackets |url=https://theathletic.com/4263518/2023/03/01/jonathan-quick-kings-blue-jackets-joonas-korpisalo-trade/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=The Athletic}}</ref> On March 17, 2023, the Blue Jackets were eliminated from playoff contention in their 68th game, after a 7–4 loss to the [[Anaheim Ducks]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jones breaks tie late for Ducks in win against Blue Jackets |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-anaheim-ducks-game-recap/c-342178448 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> They finished eighth in their division, with a dismal 25–48–9 record and 59 points, and were 31st in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2023 |title=Columbus Blue Jackets 2022-23 season in review |url=https://www.nbc4i.com/sports/blue-jackets/columbus-blue-jackets-2022-23-season-in-review/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=NBC4 WCMH-TV}}</ref> On April 15, 2023, they relieved Brad Larsen of his duties as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbus Blue Jackets relieve Brad Larsen of his duties as head coach |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-relieve-brad-larsen-of-his-duties-as-head-coach/c-343568366 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=NHL.com|date=April 15, 2023}}</ref>

For the 2023–24 season, the Blue Jackets made several changes in the off-season. They looked to improve their blue line by trading for [[Ivan Provorov]] from the Philadelphia Flyers on June 6, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |title=CBJ acquire defenseman Ivan Provorov in three-team trade |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-acquire-defenseman-ivan-provorov-in-three-team-trade/c-344759480 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=NHL.com|date=June 6, 2023}}</ref> and then for [[Damon Severson]] from the New Jersey Devils three days later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbus Blue Jackets acquire Damon Severson from New Jersey Devils |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-acquire-damon-severson-from-new-jersey-devils/c-344794084 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=NHL.com|date=June 9, 2023}}</ref> On July 1, they hired [[Mike Babcock]] as their new head coach amid much controversy, as he had a reputation of mistreating players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Source: Blue Jackets to hire Babcock as coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37789232/source-columbus-blue-jackets-hire-mike-babcock-coach |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |date=June 3, 2023}}</ref> In the [[2023 NHL entry draft]], they used their third overall pick to draft center [[Adam Fantilli]] from the [[Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey|University of Michigan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Jackets sign Adam Fantilli to three-year entry level contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-sign-adam-fantilli-to-three-year-entry-level-contract/c-345155692 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=NHL.com|date=July 2023}}</ref> Babcock resigned on September 17, after allegations of improper behavior via the ''[[Spittin' Chiclets]]'' podcast led to an [[National Hockey League Players' Association|NHLPA]] investigation into his conduct. He announced his resignation as head coach before the start of the preseason, with [[Pascal Vincent]] being named his successor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2023 |title=Mike Babcock resigns as head coach of the Blue Jackets; Club names Pascal Vincent head coach |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/mike-babcock-resigns-blue-jackets-name-pascal-vincent-head-coach |access-date=September 17, 2023 |website=NHL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mike Babcock resigns as Blue Jackets head coach following photo controversy |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/mike-babcock-to-resign-as-blue-jackets-head-coach-following-photo-controversy/ |access-date=September 17, 2023 |website=Sportsnet.ca}}</ref> On February 15, 2024, the Blue Jackets fired general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jarmo Kekalainen relieved of his duties as general manager |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/jarmo-kekalainen-relieved-of-duties-as-blue-jackets-general-manager |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 15, 2024 |date=February 15, 2024}}</ref> On May 28, [[Don Waddell]] was hired as president of hockey operations and general manager, while John Davidson transitioned to a senior advisor role within the organization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blue Jackets name Don Waddell president of hockey operations, general manager and alternate governor |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/don-waddell-hired-blue-jackets-president-of-hockey-operations-general-manager |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 15, 2024 |date=May 28, 2024}}</ref> The team struggled once again, finishing with a 27–43–12 record and last in the Metropolitan Division.

On June 17, 2024, the Blue Jackets fired Vincent,<ref>{{cite web |title=Blue Jackets relieve Pascal Vincent of his duties as head coach |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-head-coach-pascal-vincent-relieved-of-duties |access-date=June 25, 2024 |website=NHL.com |date=June 17, 2024}}</ref> with former [[Minnesota Wild]] coach [[Dean Evason]] named his successor on July 22.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/dean-evason-hired-as-columbus-blue-jackets-coach |title=Evason hired as Blue Jackets coach, replaces Vincent |website=NHL.com |date=July 22, 2024 |access-date=July 22, 2024}}</ref> On August 29, ahead of the [[2024–25 NHL season|2024–25 season]], Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were both killed by a driver suspected of [[drunk driving]] while cycling in [[Oldmans Township, New Jersey]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Jackets' Gaudreau killed in car-bike crash |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/41053342/blue-jackets-winger-johnny-gaudreau-brother-matthew-die |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |date=August 30, 2024}}</ref> The tragedy was met with tributes from around the NHL and wider sports world, as well as an impromptu memorial established by fans at [[Nationwide Arena]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/johnny-gaudreau-death-social-media-tributes/530-509ae816-f68d-4358-b0d6-8de99e14c7db |title=Social media tributes pour in for Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau |publisher=[[WBNS-TV]] |date=August 30, 2024 |access-date=August 30, 2024}}</ref>