Editing Columbus Blue Jackets (section)

===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>