The Columbus Blue Jackets' 2026-27 schedule is out, and it's a doozy. With an expanded regular season and a few intriguing changes, the Blue Jackets are set to embark on a journey that promises both excitement and challenges. The team's president of hockey operations/general manager, Don Waddell, is already impressed, calling it the 'best I’ve seen in the few years I’ve been here.' But what does this schedule really mean for the Blue Jackets, and what insights can we glean from it? Let's dive in.
An Earlier Start, A Different Feel
One of the most notable changes is the earlier start to the regular season. With the schedule expanded to 84 games, the Blue Jackets will drop the puck on October 1st, eight days earlier than last season. This shift has several implications. Firstly, it reduces the preseason to just four games, which may be a bummer for prospects vying for NHL roster spots, but it's a relief for fans who can start watching meaningful games sooner. It also means less risk of injury for key players in meaningless games.
Personally, I think this earlier start adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the season. It's like the Blue Jackets are saying, 'Hey, let's get started!' But it also raises a deeper question: How will this impact the team's preparation and strategy? Will they need to adjust their training camp to account for the earlier start?
More Games, More Challenges
The schedule also includes more games against Metropolitan Division rivals, increasing the total to 28. This is a significant change, as the Blue Jackets went 11-11-4 against the Metro last season, which was better than only the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. So, the Blue Jackets have their work cut out for them if they want to improve their record against divisional foes.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the strategic implications. The Blue Jackets will need to figure out how to win more games against their divisional rivals, which could be a key factor in their playoff hopes. But it also raises a question: How will this impact the team's overall strategy? Will they need to adjust their approach to focus more on divisional games?
Home for the Holidays
The Blue Jackets will be in Columbus for most of the major U.S. holidays, which is a nice change of pace. They'll host the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings around Thanksgiving, and they'll host the Montreal Canadiens on Christmas Eve before the NHL's pause for Christmas. The highlight, however, is New Year's Eve, when the Blue Jackets will host the Washington Capitals, with former captain Boone Jenner making his return to Nationwide Arena.
In my opinion, this is a smart move. Hosting games around the holidays can create a festive atmosphere and engage fans. But it also raises a question: How will the team balance the excitement of these holiday games with the need for rest and recovery?
More Afternoon Starts
The Blue Jackets are getting two more afternoon starts than last season, which is a change from their usual schedule. Their seven matinees are spread out throughout the season, with the longest road trips being only four games long. This is a welcome change, as it gives fans more opportunities to watch games in the afternoon, and it also provides the team with a different kind of challenge.
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact on travel and recovery. The Blue Jackets will need to manage their travel schedules carefully to avoid fatigue and injuries. But it also raises a question: How will this impact the team's overall strategy? Will they need to adjust their game plans to account for the afternoon starts?
A Manageable Travel Schedule
The Blue Jackets' travel schedule is generally manageable, with only a few odd trips. The biggest challenges are related to start times in four sets of back-to-back games, plus a challenging road trip in March. The most challenging is a 7 p.m. game on December 26th in Washington, followed by a 5 p.m. game against the Edmonton Oilers on December 27th, giving the Blue Jackets just 22 hours of recovery between starts.
From my perspective, this is a test of the team's resilience and adaptability. The Blue Jackets will need to find ways to manage their travel and recovery, which could be a key factor in their success. But it also raises a question: How will this impact the team's overall strategy? Will they need to adjust their game plans to account for the travel challenges?
Looking Ahead
The Columbus Blue Jackets' 2026-27 schedule is a fascinating mix of changes and challenges. With an earlier start, more games against divisional rivals, and a manageable travel schedule, the Blue Jackets are set to embark on a journey that promises both excitement and uncertainty. As the season unfolds, we'll see how the team adapts to these changes and whether they can rise to the challenge.
What this really suggests is that the Blue Jackets are in for a wild ride. With an expanded schedule and a few intriguing changes, the team is set to test its limits and push its boundaries. So, let's see how they fare! And who knows, maybe they'll surprise us all and have a great season.
