Streaking Columbus Blue Jackets Are Genuine Postseason Contenders

Zach Werenski has cemented himself as one of the top defensemen in the league in 2025-26, and the Blue Jackets are reaping all the rewards. Werenski’s team-leading 62 points through 56 games are the most among all blue liners across the NHL this season. The Michigan native recently tallied the third 20-goal season of his career, helping to assert himself as one of the best offensive defensemen the franchise has ever seen. 

Werenski, 28, will suit up for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics next week, and he’ll look to be part of a high-powered defense for the stars and stripes. The 10-year NHL veteran has played for the country at various levels throughout his career. He’ll look to shine as the Americans take the ice for the first time on February 12th. Hopefully, the experience will help motivate Werenski to carry Columbus to a playoff berth, because the team has been on fire as of late.

New Addition Charlie Coyle Making Waves In Columbus

Charlie Coyle was acquired by the Blue Jackets on June 27, 2025, and the 14-year veteran has been a huge offensive presence for the team. Coyle’s 42 points through 56 games played are the third most among Columbus skaters behind Werenski (62) and Kirill Marchenko (46). His offensive presence has changed the game for the Blue Jackets this season, as the team has another option to lead the offense. 

On a much more underrated note, Coyle brings a wealth of experience to a rather inexperienced team. With the Blue Jackets’ last playoff appearance coming in 2020, postseason exposure is at a premium. The center from Massachusetts has 126 playoff games under his belt, experience that could very well come in handy if Columbus makes it that far.

Youth Movement Is Giving The Blue Jackets a Boost 

Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger have given Columbus veterans much-needed offensive help throughout this season, with the duo playing in almost every contest. 

Fantilli’s 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) rank in the top five among Blue Jackets skaters. He is showcasing the potential Columbus saw during the 2023 NHL Draft when the team selected the 21-year-old third overall. The center from Ontario, Canada has six points throughout the Blue Jackets’ most recent win streak, with three of them coming against the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 24th. Fantilli’s ability to factor in goals has been a huge part of Columbus’s success, and his continued effort could pay dividends for the team down the road. 

As for Sillinger, a 22-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, he has also put some points on the board for the Blue Jackets throughout their current run. He has 26 points through 55 games played for the team in 2025-26, with six of those coming in his last seven contests. Sillinger isn’t necessarily the most prominent player on a roster filled with guys like Werenski, Coyle, and Fantilli, but the fourth-year veteran has been doing his job as of late.

End Of My Columbus Blue Jackets Rant

The Blue Jackets have emerged as one of the Eastern Conference’s more surprising teams, but I can’t say I’m mad about it. Columbus might find its inexperience catching down the stretch, but their seven-game win streak has them in a good spot heading into the Olympic break. With that being said, the team has a good mix of experience and youth that seems to be meshing well, with Werenski and Coyle leading the way. 

The season could go either way for the Blue Jackets, but that’s what makes hockey so exciting. I’ll be rooting for them regardless, just because it’s nice to see the underdogs get a chance every once in a while.