3 Things Columbus Blue Jackets Are Thankful For This Year – Hockey Writers –

With American Thanksgiving on Thursday and almost a quarter of the NHL season over, this felt like a good time to reflect on what the Columbus Blue Jackets have done so far. Although this season has had some positive results, there have been many positives for the team and fans to be thankful for. The team as a whole definitely surprised many who expected them to reach the last place.

The Blue Jackets currently sit in 20th place overall in percentage, and are in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. They also have three players averaging a point per game in Sean Monahan, Kirill Marchenko, and Zach Werenski. They can also thank the improved performance of Elvis Merzlikins, who has been the best this season. With those things in mind, here are three big things the Blue Jackets and their fans can be thankful for.

New GM and coach

The Blue Jackets entered last season with a big question: who will be the new general manager? After they fired Jarmo Kekalainen in the middle of the season, there was a lot of uncertainty about who they would bring in. The Blue Jackets found the perfect candidate in Don Waddell. Waddell had been the GM of the Atlanta Thrashers and the Carolina Hurricanes, turning the latter into a perennial powerhouse in the minor hockey market. That kind of experience and success has been a perfect fit so far in Columbus. He quickly solved various problems on the roster, highlighted by a trade for Patrik Laine before the start of the season after Laine asked for a job. His new eyes were a welcome change this season. But perhaps his most significant change was bringing in Dean Evason.

One of the first decisions Waddell had to make was deciding the fate of former Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent. Vincent had one season as coach, which began with the controversial hiring and firing of Mike Babcock. While it wouldn't be fair to judge Vincent entirely on that one season, it was clear to Waddell that a change needed to be made. Waddell saw the need for an experienced coach to take over, and after a thorough search, he reached out to former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason. Evason had spent three full seasons as the Wild's head coach, going 147-77-21 with a roster that lacked top talent.

After having first-time NHL head coaches in Vincent and Brad Larsen the past three seasons, it was a welcome change to have a more experienced voice behind the bench. Waddell and Evason have definitely played a big role in this club playing at the level they have so far this season, and they look to be setting the Blue Jackets up for long-term success.

Sean Monahan

The Blue Jackets have had a lot of weaknesses recently, but the biggest problem since entering the league is the lack of a quality center. Recent seasons have seen captain Boone Jenner juggle the job, but most would agree that it has been a tough one for him. Waddell said before the free agency window that he didn't expect to be so active in signing that many players. Indeed, the only major addition the Blue Jackets added in free agency was center Sean Monahan. Monahan was signed to a five-year contract worth $27.5 million, and immediately filled a major need for the team. While injuries hampered his career for a few years, he had a bounce-back season in 2023-24 and finished with 26 goals and 33 points.

SEAN MONAHAN HITS HIS JACKETS FIRST HOME RUN!!!

Wait a second. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ddwCMBBRKN

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 16, 2024

So far this season, Monahan has been what the Blue Jackets hoped he would be. In 20 games, he has seven goals and 13 assists. He and teammate Kirill Marchenko have been consistently productive as a top-line forward, as the left-wing spot has rotated with others, most recently taken by Dmitri Voronkov. Monahan is important not only for his play, but also as a way to take pressure off Adam Fantilli. With Jenner's injury, Fantilli would have been a candidate for the top center position. While he certainly has a lot of talent and will likely take that role sooner rather than later, it helps that his development isn't focused on that position. Monahan gives Fantilli an opportunity to play in more advantageous situations and continue to develop his game. Just look at sophomore Connor Bedard to see the frustration that can arise when a young player is thrown into the 1C position without help and support.

Stadium Series Game

The upcoming Stadium Series game on March 1 is an event that many felt would never come. Since its debut in 2014, Columbus fans have been begging the NHL to bring an outdoor game to Ohio Stadium. There were various reasons why that would not work, including the lack of plumbing in the winter. But finally, in February 2024, it was announced that the NHL would bring an outdoor game to Columbus. At the time, this felt like a big win for the Blue Jackets. It showed both the improved relationship with Ohio State University, and the potential respect around the league.

Related: Blue Jackets Awarded Outdoor Game in 2025 Stadium Series

Blue Jackets fans often feel like an afterthought for most of the NHL, so getting this game was a high point in an unforgettable season. The Blue Jackets and their rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, may still be competing for a playoff spot in the Stadium Series, which will only add to the excitement. Regardless of how the rest of the 2024-25 season goes for the Blue Jackets, playing at Ohio Stadium will undoubtedly be a highlight that will be a great time for players and fans alike.

There's So Much To Be Thankful For

Given the struggles on and off the ice this team has gone through in recent years, it's understandable why many would find it hard to find good in this season. But the Blue Jackets surprised many and were really fun to watch, which hasn't been true for a few years now. They have a lot going for them this season, even if the playoffs don't happen. They will likely continue to have many ups and downs, but the future continues to look bright for this team.