© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7fcde86c-b49b-480f-9066-2d16976599ad.jpeg] © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images With the 2025 IIHF World Championships starting tomorrow, it’s a good time to go over the six members of the Columbus Blue Jackets who will be heading overseas to represent their countries. First, let’s start with the coaching staff. Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason will be behind the bench for Team Canada. He served as an assistant coach in 2024, but this time around he’ll be leading the team on his own. He won’t be alone, though. His assistant coach will be Steve McCarthy, who also works with him in Columbus. As a player, McCarthy won two bronze medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2000 and 2001. On the ice, Canada will also have Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson. The young forwards will get a chance to play alongside Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby — a surreal opportunity in itself. But more than that, it’s a chance for them to observe how he prepares and hopefully take a few things from his game and apply it to their own. Next up is Zach Werenski, who will represent Team USA. At locker cleanout day, he mentioned that a busy summer — which includes his wedding — would keep him from heading overseas. But just days ago, he announced that he’ll go after all. A report surfaced suggesting that the change came after Dylan Larkin encouraged other Americans from the 4 Nations tournament to join the team. 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Aaron Ekblad [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5f2e8b75-5ac7-4a87-8084-959f32934f92.jpeg] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Aaron Ekblad This summer, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/jason-newland">Jason Newland </a>and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2025-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-aaron-ekblad] Lastly, Blue Jackets prospect Samuel Knazko will suit up for Slovakia. The 22-year-old has played 149 AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters and will be playing in his 12th international tournament for his country. The 2025 IIHF Worlds kicks off tomorrow and runs until May 25, taking place in Stockholm, Sweden and Herning, Denmark. Let us know what you think below. Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwm-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and never miss a story. 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Dante Fabbro [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/74c39ea3-6ce5-4cc6-9f22-21891d64c2cd.jpeg] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Dante Fabbro This summer, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/spencer-lazary">Spencer Lazary</a> and I will continue our series with more potential free agent targets that could be on the market on July 1st. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2025-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-dante-fabbro] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Brad Marchand [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/eac96316-d860-425c-9aff-eb85688780b0.jpeg] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Brad Marchand This summer, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/jason-newland">Jason Newland </a>and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2025-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-brad-marchand] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Sam Bennett [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/afae6802-be57-4c2b-901f-d12a27ccdd34.jpeg] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Sam Bennett This summer, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/jason-newland" target="_blank">Jason Newland </a>and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2025-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-sam-bennett] Johnny Gaudreau’s Mom & Dustin Wolf Share Special Moment On Social Media [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5891c908-9679-4ba4-bd46-45a57c26dacd.jpeg] Johnny Gaudreau’s Mom & Dustin Wolf Share Special Moment On Social Media The Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragedy never fails to bring tears to people’s eyes. Yesterday on Twitter/X, there was another emotional moment—this time between Jane Gaudreau, the mother of Johnny and Matthew, and Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/johnny-gaudreaus-mom-dustin-wolf-share-special-moment-on-social-media]
