The 2025-26 season schedule was released almost two weeks ago, and since then fans around the league have had the chance to circle what they deem important dates. For the Columbus Blue Jackets, there is a lot of hype surrounding this team after the season they had last year. They were one of the league’s biggest surprises, which had just about everyone around the hockey world cheering for them. Now, they are set to do the same, but this year punch their ticket to the 2026 NHL playoffs. But first, there are some key matchups that Blue Jackets fans should have circled, so let’s go over them.
The first date to circle is their season opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 4 at 7:00 P.M. EST. Unfortunately, they don’t kick off their 2025-26 season at home, but at least it means hockey is back and that is something to be excited about.
Next up, the expansion draft matchup between the Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild on Oct. 11 at 8:00 P.M. EST. Both of these teams are celebrating their 25th year in the NHL after entering the league in the 2000 expansion draft.
Their home opener against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 13 at 7:00 P.M. EST. The start of the Blue Jackets’ season is set up rather strangely, as they play three games over eight days before their home opener, which is in the third week of the season.
It’s not often there are four key matchups in the first month of the season, but on Oct. 29 at 7:30 P.M. EST, they host the Toronto Maple Leafs. While they don’t have a huge rivalry against the Leafs, they are one of, if not the biggest hockey markets in the world, which always draws a crowd. For the Blue Jackets, more specifically Adam Fantilli, it’s always fun to try and beat his childhood team.
On Nov. 13 at 7:00 P.M. EST, the Blue Jackets welcome the Edmonton Oilers and the best player in the NHL, Connor McDavid. Much like the Leafs game, hosting the Oilers and McDavid will be a nice draw for fans who only get to see him at Nationwide Arena once a season.
On Nov. 28 at 7:00 P.M. EST, they also welcome Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins to Nationwide. This matchup is as much about Crosby coming to Columbus as it is about the Metropolitan Division rivalry. Additionally, this could be the last time Evgeni Malkin plays at Nationwide after speculation that this could be his final year.
In December, there are a handful of games that stand out, but two are the most noteworthy: Dec. 28 at 5:00 P.M. EST against the New York Islanders and newly drafted first overall pick Matthew Schaefer. The second is their New Year’s Eve game against the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 31 at 7:00 P.M. EST.
January is one of their busiest months because of the Olympic break that comes so early in February. After kicking off the new year against the Buffalo Sabres at 3:00 P.M. EST. Their next key matchup is on Feb. 4 at 7:00 P.M. EST against the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard. This is the first and only time they welcome Bedard to Nationwide and also the last game before the Olympic break, which runs from Feb. 5 to 25.
March is their busiest month with 16 games in 31 days, nearly a game every other day. The key matchup from this month is March 5 at 7:00 P.M. EST when they welcome the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, to town. There are a few other matchups that could be deemed "key" to fans. In the 16 times they play, they only play three teams twice, which means that they will face 13 teams, giving the fans plenty of games to look forward to.
The last game to circle is Apr. 14 at 7:00 P.M. EST against the Capitals at home. This is the last game of the season, which will hopefully be followed by playoff hockey. Additionally, this very well could be the last time we all get to see Alex Ovechkin play a regular-season game in the NHL, as it has been reported he is considering retirement.
There is so much to look forward to for the upcoming season. After the success they had last year, everyone in Columbus is excited to get going. Although some fans were unhappy after how July 1 went, this team has a lot of potential and a real chance to make the playoffs this upcoming season.
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