Columbus Blue Jackets begin training camp amid offseason challenges
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 11:57 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
The Columbus Blue Jackets opened training camp on September 16, facing a critical season after a tumultuous summer. Key issues include the need to sign top center Adam Fantilli, who remains without a contract, and the long-term absence of goalie Elvis Merzlikins due to shoulder surgery. Changes in the coaching staff and a series of unpopular business decisions have raised concerns about the team's relevance as they approach the October 1 season opener at Nationwide Arena. Team president and GM Don Waddell emphasized the importance of early season points, stating they are crucial for overall success.
- •Columbus opens training camp on September 16 ahead of the October 1 season start.
- •Adam Fantilli remains unsigned, with player medicals scheduled for today.
- •Elvis Merzlikins is out long-term after shoulder surgery on August 17.
- •Boone Jenner signed with the Washington Capitals during the offseason.
- •Local broadcasts will now be streamed on Amazon following regional sports network changes.
- 11:57 PMYahoo Sports — 3 burning Blue Jackets questions entering 2026-27 NHL season
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Columbus Blue Jackets open camp for pivotal year after 'crazy' summer
"The Columbus Blue Jackets had a publicly dramatic endin g to the 2025-26 NHL season. The Blue Jackets were close to making the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year. They missed due to some poor performances. Those poor performances did not sit well with head coach Rick Bowness . Initially brought in as a stopgap coach, Bowness returns to the Blue Jackets […] The post 3 burning Blue Jackets questions entering 2026-27 NHL season appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"A summer of trade speculation, contract haggling and unpopular business decisions have the Blue Jackets facing a pivotal season to regain relevancy.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 11:57 PM3 burning Blue Jackets questions entering 2026-27 NHL season
The Columbus Blue Jackets had a publicly dramatic endin g to the 2025-26 NHL season. The Blue Jackets were close to making the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year. They missed due to some poor performances. Those poor performances did not sit well with head coach Rick Bowness . Initially brought in as a stopgap coach, Bowness returns to the Blue Jackets […] The post 3 burning Blue Jackets questions entering 2026-27 NHL season appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsSep 16, 2026, 12:00 PMColumbus Blue Jackets open camp for pivotal year after 'crazy' summer
A summer of trade speculation, contract haggling and unpopular business decisions have the Blue Jackets facing a pivotal season to regain relevancy.
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