A total of 8 players have jersey #18 since the start of the franchise.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had many players don the Union Blue in its history. The #18 has only been worn a handful of times though.
Let's look at the players that have worn the number.
Who Wore It First?
- Robert Kron - Played 118 games for the Jackets from 2000 to 2002. He never played another NHL game after Columbus. In March 2001, Kron broke his ankle when he fell over awkwardly after taking a puck to the face. It was truly one of the oddest moments in CBJ history. Nowadays, Kron is the Director of Amateur Scouting for the Seattle Kraken.
Who Wore It Last?
- Lane Pederson - Pederson played 16 games as a Jacket after being picked up on waivers in 2022-23 and had three points. He didn't play any NHL games last season and is signed on to play for the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL this season.
Who Wore It Best?
- R.J. Umberger - The former Ohio State Buckeye played 445 games after coming to Columbus via trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2008. He scored 120 goals and totaled 250 points during his time in Columbus. He was traded back to Philly in 2014, and would retire in 2017 after signing a PTO with the Dallas Stars and being subsequently released.
Others That Have Worn #18
- Zenith Komarniski - Komarniski played in two games for Columbus in 03-04 and had zero points. He would never play another NHL after his time in Columbus and would retire in 2007.
- Geoff Platt - Platt played 41 games as a Jacket and had a total of 14 points. After playing five games for Anaheim in 07-08, he left for Europe where he played until he retired in 2023.
- David Clarkson - Clarkson only played 26 games in Columbus before a serious back injury derailed his career. His contract was then traded twice before he officially retired. Clarkson stayed in the Columbus area after retiring, coaching the Upper Arlington High School Hockey Team for a season. These days, he owns the NAHL's Colorado Grit. The Grit is a Tier II junior team based in Greeley, Colorado.
- Rene Bourque - Bourque played 57 games for Columbus over two seasons. He totaled 7 goals and 12 points. He signed in Colorado for the 16-17 season, and then after one year left for Sweden where he would retire after one season.
- Pierre-Luc Dubois - The former number 3 overall pick for Columbus played 239 and amassed 159 points wearing #18 for the Jackets. He was traded to the Washington Capitals this offseason from the LA Kings and will attempt to get his career back on the right track. Washington is his fourth team since 2021.
Who is your favorite #18? Please share your thoughts on our forum.
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