35 Days Until Opening Night At Nationwide Arena: The History Of Jersey #35
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a lot of players don the Union Blue in its history. But only a handful have worn 35.
Let's look at the players that have worn the number.
Who Wore It First?
- Jean-François Labbé - Labbé played in 14 games for two seasons back in 01-02 and 02-03. He had a record of 3-5 for his CBJ career. He never played another NHL game after his time in Columbus. He finished his career in 2011 playing in Canada.
Who Wore It Last?
- Veini Vehviläinen - Vehviläinen, once thought of as the future in net for the CBJ, only played in one game in his career, and it was in relief during the 2020-21 season. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021 but never made an appearance. He went back to Europe in 2021 and plays for JYP in LIIGA.
Who Wore It Best?
- Jan Hejda - Hejda was drafted by Buffalo in 2003 and came to Columbus as a free agent in 2007. Hejda played for four years in Columbus and had the best seasons of his career while wearing the Union Blue. He totaled 11 goals and 67 points for his CBJ career. He signed with Colorado in 2011 and would finish his career there. He retired in 2016.
Others That Have Worn #35
- Martin Prusek - Played in 9 games for Columbus going 3-3. After his time in Columbus, he never played another NHL Game. He finished his career in Europe and retired in 2011.
- Brian Boucher - Yes! THAT Brian Boucher. He played in 3 games for the Jackets in March of 2007. He went 1-1, gave up 9 goals, had a GAA of 3.79, and a save % of .866. He went on to play another 6 seasons in the NHL. He now does TV for TNT and is considered very good at his job.
- Ty Conklin - Conklin played in 11 games for the Jackets during the 06-07 season. He finished with a 2-3-2 record, gave up 27 goals, had a GAA of 3.30, and had a save % of .871. He played another 5 NHL seasons after he left Columbus.
It's hard right now for the team, fans, and people who follow the Jackets, or just hockey in general to think about the on-ice product. But for the team, the game must go on, and it starts this weekend in Buffalo with the Prospects Challenge. Yes, they will be playing with heavy hearts and minds, but Johnny would want them to play.
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