The Columbus Blue Jackets are in a good spot right now, as they are third in the Metropolitan Division standings with a 38-23-11 record and 87 points. With this, they have been a nice surprise this season. One of the many reasons for the Blue Jackets' strong 2025-26 season has been the play of young defenseman Denton Mateychuk. After posting four goals and 13 points in his first 45 career NHL games last season, Mateychuk has taken a nice step forward with his play this campaign. In 65 games with the Blue Jackets so far, he has set new career highs with 11 goals, 17 assists, 26 points, and 81 blocks. With numbers like these, the 5-foot-11 defenseman has emerged as a big part of the Blue Jackets' blueline. When noting that Mateychuk is still just 21 years old and only in his second NHL season, he undoubtedly has the potential to get even better as he continues to gain more experience. Right now, it is hard not to be impressed with what the left-shot defenseman has done so far in 2025-26. It will now be interesting to see how Mateychuk finishes off the 2025-26 season from here.
