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2025-26 Columbus Blue Jackets Predictions and Odds to Win Stanley Cup Finals

by Ryan Cobbett - 9/24/2025

Columbus Blue Jackets predictions Elvis Merzlikins

The Columbus Blue Jackets turned in a surprise season last year where they managed to find their way into the playoff conversation. They finished the year with 89 points and were the first team out in the Eastern Conference. They dominated on home ice, going 26-10-5 and their +5-goal differential was the best amongst nonplayoff teams. The Blue Jackets finished fourth in the Metro Division trailing the New Jersey Devils by just two points.

The Blue Jackets had a solid offense as they finished the season eighth in scoring thanks to averaging 3.26 GF/G. Their special teams play was not the best. They managed just a 19% success rate on the power play while they finished the year with a 77% PK%. A big reason for the offensive production was Zach Werenski who led the team with 82 points. Kirill Marchenko was an unsung hero for Columbus as he was tied for the team lead with 31 goals and finished right behind Werenski with 74 points. Adam Fantilli was the one tied with Marchenko for the team lead in goals (31) while he finished fifth on the team in points (54) behind Kent Johnson and Sean Monahan who both finished with 57 points.

The Blue Jackets goaltending was the issue. They ranked 25th in the league as they allowed 3.26 GA/G, while ranking 20th with a .896 SV%. Elvis Merzlikins played in the majority of the games for Columbus as he appeared in 53 games while allowing 3.18 GA/G. Behind him was Daniil Tarasov and Jet Greaves who combined for 31 appearances, though Tarasov allowed 3.54 GA/G while Greaves played much better (1.91 GA/G).

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Seasons come and go, so now it’s time to take a look at what we can expect from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2025-26:

Columbus Blue Jackets Key Additions/Losses

James van Riemsdyk (36 points), who scored 16 goals last season, headlines a list of departures from last year’s roster. Justin Danforth is also leaving after recording nine goals and 21 points last season with Columbus. He has signed with Buffalo. Sean Kuraly is another role piece that has departed as he signed with the Boston Bruins after tallying 17 points last season. Tarasov was also dealt to the defending world champion Florida Panthers during the draft.

As for the additions, they signed Swedish center Isac Lundestrom who recorded 15 points for Anaheim last season while also signing blueliner Dysin Mayo to a two-way contract. The biggest move of the offseason for Columbus was the trade for goalie Ivan Fedotov who was acquired for a sixth-round pick.

Columbus Blue Jackets X-Factors

Consistency- Columbus blew away expectations last season despite being projected to be one of the worst teams in the NHL. They nearly made the playoffs after an 89-point season. However, they now have to do it again and that is where the question of consistency rises. They have some newfound playmakers in Marchenko and Werenski who took big steps forward last season, and they have exciting up and coming impact players in Johnson, Fantilli, and Cole Sillinger (all of whom are 22 or younger). The issue lies in whether or not last season was an outlier, or if this team has really become a playoff threat in the Eastern Conference. If they can find themselves back in the playoff picture look for the front office to be aggressive in strengthening their goalie room while also looking to add another offensive star to run with Marchenko. If this team fails to establish consistency, they are right back in the rebuild phase. Time will tell with this team.

Columbus Blue Jackets Goalie Outlook

After the departure of Tarasov, Merzlikins is now set to be backed up by Graves and Fedotov. Greaves (24) may be the long-term answer as he continues to develop, but Merzlikins really needs to take a big step forward and establish himself as a playoff caliber goalie. Unfortunately, the goaltending seems to be the weakest link that will keep Columbus out of the playoffs. Merzlikins 3.18 GA/G was the best numbers he has seen since 2020/21 and that isn’t good enough to win in the playoffs. Unless Greaves takes over a big portion of the workload and continues to perform at a high level, the goalie situation looks grim.

Grade: D

Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule Stretch

October 25th-November 11th: Last year’s Columbus team collected just 32 points on the road. Paired with the goaltending, their road play is another variable that needs to change to solidify this team’s playoff potential. This nine-game stretch includes seven road games and two home games against playoff teams. The stretch starts with back-to-back road games against Pittsburgh and Buffalo before the Blue Jackets will return home for games against Toronto and St. Louis. After their two game homestand, they will find themselves back on the road for five straight with stops in New York to play the Islanders, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Seattle. This early season stretch can be very indicative of the direction the front office decides to go in order to make a push towards a playoff return.

Columbus Blue Jackets Notable Odds

Stanley Cup Champions: +12500

Conference Winner: +4500

Division Winner: +2500

To Make the Playoffs- Yes: +195

Hart Trophy- Kirill Marchenko: +50000

Vezina Trophy- Elvis Merzlikins: +25000

Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction

Last season seemed more magical than realistic for Columbus. While they are further along in their rebuild than most, their goaltending situation leaves a lot to be desired. At +195 to make the playoffs, there is some intrigue, but I expect a regression this year. There are a lot of key prospects for them to build around, but Columbus is still a year or two away from being a true playoff contender. Until they land another big-time scorer and a better than average netminder, it is hard to see them in the playoffs. Don’t fall for last year’s magic. Their ceiling is 80 points, pending some moves.

Under 84.5 Team Total Points

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