{"time":1779028947084,"blocks":[{"id":"mp9u2nbn","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/e27c36d4-7f9a-498f-a800-690d21a69e6b/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/e27c36d4-7f9a-498f-a800-690d21a69e6b/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"e27c36d4-7f9a-498f-a800-690d21a69e6b","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/e27c36d4-7f9a-498f-a800-690d21a69e6b/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/e27c36d4-7f9a-498f-a800-690d21a69e6b/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/e27c36d4-7f9a-498f-a800-690d21a69e6b/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"hksYUQ8BjX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NEWS & NOTES"}},{"id":"guzxixsDZh","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-skilled-prospect-is-prime-breakout-candidate","meta":{"title":"Blue Jackets Skilled Prospect Is Prime Breakout Candidate","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-skilled-prospect-is-prime-breakout-candidate","description":"This Blue Jackets prospect has the potential to break out next season. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d962d713-5141-4fd1-a26e-e936c5e20563.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"AFjGG-WWud","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Del Bel Belluz had another strong season this year with the Monsters, as he scored 22 goals and recorded new AHL career highs with 36 assists and 58 points in 55 games. This is after he had 27 goals, 26 assists, and 53 points in 61 games for the Monsters during the 2024-25 season. "}},{"id":"3juUc6gGXu","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/report-blue-jackets-close-to-signing-charlie-coyle","meta":{"title":"REPORT: Blue Jackets Close To Signing Charlie Coyle","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/report-blue-jackets-close-to-signing-charlie-coyle","description":"Coyle missed the playoffs for the first time in his career this past season. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b56bf198-1372-4218-ab5d-d095f744ad0e.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"VY2hXKBmxh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Columbus Blue Jackets signed Charlie Coyle to a 6-year, $36 million dollar contract. "}},{"id":"gR9Ta6d94O","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/what-bringing-back-charlie-coyle-means-to-the-columbus-blue-jackets","meta":{"title":"What Bringing Back Charlie Coyle Means To The Columbus Blue Jackets","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/what-bringing-back-charlie-coyle-means-to-the-columbus-blue-jackets","description":"Coyle was just signed to a 6-year, $36 million dollar contract. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/63f803b9-2ba7-46f0-b6f0-e1c5d37e6b13.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"DHCnneulFz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Well, for one, they're bringing back a 14-year NHL vet with 1032 NHL games under his belt. Coyle, who spent was brought to the Cannon City via a trade with the Colorado Avalanche in the summer of 2025, put up 58 points last season, and played some of the best hockey of his career. The guy oozed leadership from the minute he got here. "}},{"id":"MYoNHrQcYP","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/the-iihf-world-championships-featuring-the-columbus-blue-jackets-how-to-watch","meta":{"title":"The IIHF World Championships Featuring The Columbus Blue Jackets: How To Watch","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/the-iihf-world-championships-featuring-the-columbus-blue-jackets-how-to-watch","description":"The tournament will run from May 15th to May 31st. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a5824b0f-fa5f-4063-936d-2af4a03f59c6.png","type":"png"}}}},{"id":"aXq9eGxdkz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mathieu Olivier is playing for the United States in what is his first international games. Meanwhile, Jet Greaves and Denton Mateychuk will be playing for the heavy favorite Canadian team. "}},{"id":"CLdg_0OOgn","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/jet-greaves-gets-his-first-international-win-canada-beats-sweden-at-world-championships","meta":{"title":"Jet Greaves Gets His First International Win, Canada Beats Sweden At World Championships","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/jet-greaves-gets-his-first-international-win-canada-beats-sweden-at-world-championships","description":"Jet Greaves and Denton Mateychuk suited up for Canada in game one of the IIHF World Championships. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/763c20e9-254b-4576-a52b-fcce4feed8d0.png","type":"png"}}}},{"id":"sk_6lpHRBl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Greaves would give up a third goal in the period when Sweden tied the game at three. The second period was not good for the young goalie, but he would rebound in the third to pick up the win for Canada"}},{"id":"JoGl4PCF_x","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"POSSIBLE FREE AGENTS"}},{"id":"YvkUiF9Jqt","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-have-potential-free-agent-target-in-lightning-star","meta":{"title":"Blue Jackets Have Potential Free-Agent Target In Lightning Star","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-have-potential-free-agent-target-in-lightning-star","description":"The Blue Jackets should consider targeting Darren Raddysh if he hits the free-agent market this summer. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a7c97d41-b769-4ba1-ac19-c3e8435c61fa.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"LaT1HzxcaH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"When looking at the players who can become unrestricted free agents (UFAs) on July 1, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh stands out as a fascinating potential target. However, if he hits the market, the Blue Jackets would need to offer him a pretty expensive deal if they hoped to land him. "}},{"id":"dGfgAXXrvT","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2026-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-oliver-bjorkstrand","meta":{"title":"2026 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Oliver Bjorkstrand","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2026-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-oliver-bjorkstrand","description":"Olivier Bjorkstrand is coming off a five-year deal he signed with Columbus back in 2021. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0c7f8e7f-54c2-44aa-b3f9-4dc36cd78568.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"Zb9QguccAq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bjorkstrand played 80 games for the Lightning this season and totaled just 32 points. With an average ice time of 13:38, it was the lowest since the 18-19 season, when he was still in Columbus. Bjorkstrand playing 80 games is significant after suffering a serious injury in the playoffs last season. His 32 points in 25-26 were the lowest of his career since the 18-19 season. "}},{"id":"-3ANX-q1F2","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-2026-potential-free-agent-targets-john-carlson","meta":{"title":"Blue Jackets 2026 Potential Free-Agent Targets: John Carlson","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-2026-potential-free-agent-targets-john-carlson","description":"Should the Blue Jackets consider targeting John Carlson this offseason? ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8b42f411-3f47-4ea5-b429-ca93284cc2f6.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"__ksPnG3Nd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Carlson was shockingly traded by the Washington Capitals to the Ducks at the trade deadline after 17 years in DC. It felt like he would be a career Capital, but now that his time in Washington is over, it is fair to wonder if he could decide to test the market and see what kind of offers he could get in free agency instead of re-signing with the Ducks."}},{"id":"cgPiKaif-R","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-have-free-agent-target-to-consider-in-oilers-defender","meta":{"title":"Blue Jackets Have Free-Agent Target To Consider In Oilers Defender","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-have-free-agent-target-to-consider-in-oilers-defender","description":"Should the Blue Jackets look to sign Oilers defenseman Connor Murphy? ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/eafdbac3-829f-46b6-bef7-d8ef01ebf7f4.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"pokSp78Fgp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If the Blue Jackets want to add a steady defensive defenseman who can jump up in the top four, Edmonton Oilers blueliner Connor Murphy stands out as an interesting potential option for them. "}},{"id":"BiJeYngcni","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"POTENTIAL DRAFT PICKS"}},{"id":"4MF1geCvXl","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-ilya-morozov","meta":{"title":"CBJ Draft Day Targets: Ilya Morozov","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-ilya-morozov","description":"This pick might be more of a reach for Columbus, but someone will take him higher than expected. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2c3916c7-3ff7-4d5a-8e3c-f8c9f8517263.webp","type":"webp"}}}},{"id":"nKW5webcvS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Target: Ilya Morozov - Moskva, RUS"}},{"id":"_49pn6HLLF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Height/Weight: 6'3'' - 200 lbs. "}},{"id":"nJ1Rcjoge3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Current Team: Miami Univ. (Ohio) - NCAA"}},{"id":"7c2I-N_B4d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Position: Left Shot Forward "}},{"id":"HfjhL7Zu5Z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2025-26 Stats: 8g-12a-20 pts in 36 games. "}},{"id":"FQz_s66BtJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Previous Experience: 2025-26 - Tri-City Storm - USHL - 22 points in 59 games. "}},{"id":"pNnT1ZvD-f","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"THN Ranking: 26th - Kennedy, 28th - Ferrari"}},{"id":"wqk9ZeGL5Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NHL Central Scouting: 10th overall in North America - 6th overall forward in N.A."}},{"id":"IN-o-oY3TH","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-nikita-klepov","meta":{"title":"CBJ Draft Day Targets: Nikita Klepov","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-nikita-klepov","description":"Klepov has been compared to Cole Perfetti, Nail Yakupov, and Evgeni Malkin. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e4257b2d-fe94-4800-9d95-06c74b8603fa.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"9Usfb6NWee","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Target: Nikita Klepov - Deerfield Beach, FL, USA"}},{"id":"8ulCxP2qL4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Height/Weight: 6'0'' - 180 lbs. "}},{"id":"jvVXouX02g","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2026 Team: Michigan State University - NCAA"}},{"id":"ycC84oyHDL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Position: Left Shot Forward "}},{"id":"AFgXJ-1Z5w","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2025-26 Stats With Saginaw Spirit: 37g-60a-97 pts in 67 games. Eddie Powers Trophy winner for most points in OHL, and OHL Rookie of the year. "}},{"id":"y5Uhwy_skt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Previous Experience: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)"}},{"id":"XmKKM0bAM9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"THN Ranking: 25th - Kennedy, 33rd - Ferrari"}},{"id":"_OQXqz7WzK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NHL Central Scouting: 8th overall in North America - 4th overall forward in N.A."}},{"id":"8MRjlipL8K","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-oliver-suvanto","meta":{"title":"CBJ Draft Day Targets: Oliver Suvanto","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-oliver-suvanto","description":"Evaluators profile Suvanto as a premium middle-six shutdown center who projects similarly to Anton Lundell of the Florida Panthers or Charlie Coyle.","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/dfd8f6b7-e61f-4a1a-b415-b4e3728a1445.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"NeAa-7GWto","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Target: Oliver Suvanto - Turku, FIN"}},{"id":"8HAtl60Mqj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Height/Weight: 6'2.75'' - 207 lbs. "}},{"id":"QQwZyCInPl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2026 Team: Tappara - LIIGA - Finland "}},{"id":"F6ZOdRA7_l","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Position: Left Shot Center"}},{"id":"2R57KZx-82","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2025-26 Stats With Tappara: 2g-9a-11 pts in 48 games. "}},{"id":"FgUqbpaPLE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"THN Ranking: 22nd - Kennedy, 18th- Ferrari"}},{"id":"MHXP4qAq2v","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NHL Central Scouting: 8th overall in North America - 4th overall forward in N.A."}},{"id":"10uTDGZD8E","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-marcus-nordmark","meta":{"title":"CBJ Draft Day Targets: Marcus Nordmark","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-marcus-nordmark","description":"Nordmark has been compared to Filip Forsberg and Rickard Rakell. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/71978d35-0e43-42af-b531-bf41f7c0defb.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"68OcqJdOfB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Target: Marcus Nordmark - Stockholm, Sweden"}},{"id":"d8yNysgq3p","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Height/Weight: 6'1.5'' - 180 lbs. "}},{"id":"4MG_pRy48q","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2026 Team: Djurgårdens IF - SHL - Sweden"}},{"id":"mxi_VuuH-3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Position: Left Shot Wing"}},{"id":"FQDurbUZDb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2025-26 Stats With Djurgårdens IF U20: 14g-24a-38 pts in 38 games. He was also called up to play for Djurgårdens IF for 8 games and had 1 point. "}},{"id":"fBKywKNJ3g","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"THN Ranking: 16th - Kennedy, 29th - Ferrari"}},{"id":"V9V_HaILxP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NHL Central Scouting: 8th overall for international skaters "}},{"id":"8uWoj4I5r2","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-keaton-verhoeff","meta":{"title":"CBJ Draft Day Targets: Keaton Verhoeff","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-keaton-verhoeff","description":"Verhoeff has been compared to Jakob Chychrun, John Carlson, and Noah Dobson. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a32e6cc4-646f-4df0-b190-4fd7e7635b9f.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"p1xX0oVF5q","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Target: Keaton Verhoeff - Fort Saskatchewan, AB, CAN"}},{"id":"Vyj3xSGkE9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Height/Weight: 6'3.5'' - 208 lbs. "}},{"id":"ucaHrcGZ0d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2026 Team: Univ. of North Dakota - NCAA"}},{"id":"eqmzmlPIpp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Position: Right Shot Defenseman"}},{"id":"uhuLSy2Cau","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2025-26 Stats With Univ. of North Dakota: 6g-14a-20 pts in 36 games. He was also the Captain for U18 Team Canada at the World Juniors and played in the U20 World Juniors. "}},{"id":"ErDnMqN7gj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"THN Ranking: 1st - Kennedy, 7th - Ferrari"}},{"id":"w6Yo1Y8ukG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NHL Central Scouting: 4th overall for North American skaters. "}},{"id":"j4vOW2GQ8q","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-elton-hermansson","meta":{"title":"CBJ Draft Day Targets: Elton Hermansson","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cbj-draft-day-targets-elton-hermansson","description":"Hermansson has been compared to Patrick Kane and Nikita Kucherov.","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a2837f6c-a7d1-4d15-9f93-51260b65ad1a.jpeg","type":"jpeg"}}}},{"id":"FfDinVtQ5b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Target: Elton Hermansson - Örnsköldsvik, SWE"}},{"id":"xNR6ACqLe5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Height/Weight: 6'1' - 181 lbs. "}},{"id":"CPs_Xe_h7R","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2026 Team: MoDo Hockey - Hockey Allsvenskan - Sweden"}},{"id":"zjkd48KVRD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Position: Right Shot Forward"}},{"id":"s_99cTfpz1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2025-26 Stats With MoDo Hockey: 11g-10a-21 pts in 38 games. He also played 18 games of international play and had 33 points. "}},{"id":"fYnCfm0d9-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"THN Ranking: 12th - Kennedy, 14th - Ferrari"}},{"id":"QnWyJy40x8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NHL Central Scouting: 5th overall for international skaters"}},{"id":"nNYWv4t7we","type":"delimiter","data":{}},{"id":"pfKYoqhVCF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14. "}},{"id":"23OjtyOA0a","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!"}},{"id":"McCQKvYumF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story."}},{"id":"4GTcBtjrJl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Let us know what you think below."}},{"id":"Nyu8dL5oeH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum."}}],"version":"2.31.5"}

Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov must be better next season.