The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced four cuts to their 2025 training camp roster.
The team has sent goalie Evan Gardner back to the WHL, where he will rejoin the Saskatoon Blades. Last season with the club, Gardner posted a 23-13-5 record in 44 games along with a 2.82 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage.
They also cut forward Owen Griffin, who will return to the Oshawa Generals for the 2025-26 season. With Oshawa last year, he scored 22 goals and added 29 assists for 51 points in 62 games. He was also impressive in the playoffs, putting up 29 points in 21 games.
The other two players cut were forward Nicholas Sima and defenseman Marcus Kearsey. Since both were on amateur tryout contracts, they have simply been released.
Sima will likely return to the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, where he has spent the last three seasons. The 20-year-old is entering his final season of eligibility and will be looking to turn it into either another tryout or a pro contract. Last year with Saginaw, he recorded 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in 62 games.
As for Kearsey, he will head back to the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL, where he served as captain last season. In 46 games, he notched seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points. He will aim to build on that production with a full season ahead. It is also worth noting that Kearsey is set to attend Northeastern University of the NCAA in 2026-27.
