The biggest buzz around Columbus right now focuses on the team’s massive mid-season turnaround and the front office’s moves to bolster a potential playoff run. Here are this week’s key storylines and upcoming schedule.
The Conor Garland Trade
General manager Don Waddell made a major splash right at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline (March 6), acquiring veteran forward Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, Columbus sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
Garland is locked into a six-year extension that begins next season, making this both a win-now move and a long-term investment. He is expected to provide much-needed stability and scoring to the second line alongside Sean Monahan and Kent Johnson.
A Legitimate Playoff Push
The Blue Jackets are looking to snap a five-year postseason drought. They have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL since mid-January, recently riding a dominant 14-2-1 stretch. Sitting at a 32-21-8 record (72 points) as of the deadline, the locker room is highly motivated, and the front office’s deadline additions signal serious belief in this roster’s ability to lock down a wild card spot in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.
Managing the Injury Bug
As the schedule intensifies, health is a trending topic. Forward Mason Marchment recently sustained a lower-body injury but returned to the lineup quickly, while defenseman Dante Fabbro and star blueliner Zach Werenski (illness) have missed recent ice time. Keeping the core healthy will be a major storyline as they navigate a heavy March schedule.
Blue Jackets Upcoming Schedule
The Blue Jackets have a busy week ahead, kicking off with a rescheduled home game before hitting the road for three crucial Eastern Conference matchups.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (EDT) |
| Monday, March 9 | vs. Los Angeles Kings* | Nationwide Arena (Columbus, OH) | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, March 10 | @ Tampa Bay Lightning | Benchmark International Arena (Tampa, FL) | 7:00 PM |
| Thursday, March 12 | @ Florida Panthers | Amerant Bank Arena (Sunrise, FL) | 7:00 PM |
| Saturday, March 14 | @ Philadelphia Flyers | Xfinity Mobile Arena (Philadelphia, PA) | 7:30 PM |
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