3 Blue Jackets Facing the Most Pressure in 2026-27

It has already been an eventful offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets. They received a huge scare from franchise defenseman Zach Werenski before he ultimately walked back a trade demand and re-affirmed his commitment to the franchise.

Going into this season, expectations internally are high, but competition is fierce. The Eastern Conference is tough and many of the top teams have gotten better. There will be three names, in particular, that will be feeling the most pressure among all of the Blue Jackets players.

Honorable Mention: Kirill Marchenko, Jet Greaves

Kirill Marchenko is the subject of trade rumors and may not be with the team to start the season. But if he is, the pressure will be on him to deliver and show that he’s worth all the trouble that his trade request has created.

Greaves, meanwhile, signed a new three-year pact worth $15 million, solidifying himself as the man between the pipes in Columbus. He played like a borderline star goaltender in 2025-26, and the Blue Jackets will be leaning on him heavily as they pursue their first playoff appearance since the 2020 COVID playoffs.

Adan Fantilli, C

Right now, Fantilli’s contract situation remains the hottest topic in Columbus. Getting him inked to a new deal is critical but invariably got tougher with the offer sheet to Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson and the new contract given to Connor Bedard in Chicago.

When that is finalized – and it must be for the long-term health of the franchise – the focus will shift on whether the soon-to-be-22-year-old can make the leap to an elite NHL center. He already has the two-way ability to hit that mark, it is just a matter of his offensive game catching up.

Fantilli regressed from 31 goals in 2024-25 to 24 last season, though he did increase his point total from 54 to 59. This has to be the season that Fantilli becomes a 70-80-point player, or there will be questions about whether he can truly deliver on his potential – not to mention the cost of his extension and its impact on the franchise.

Kent Johnson, C

The 2024-25 season felt like one in which the Blue Jackets were on the brink. Fantilli hit new career highs and was joined by Johnson, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. The young center hit career-highs in goals (24), assists (33), and points (57), appearing to be ready to deliver on his promise.

And then the 2025-26 season happened. Johnson’s production fell off a cliff despite playing in eight more games: seven goals, 15 assists, and 22 points. He was even a healthy scratch at various times.

Head coach Rick Bowness commented that Johnson had come in much lighter than the previous season. His ice time was slashed, and his role became more limited. He wasn’t happy about that and said the right things about getting better. It will start in the weight room and by earning Bowness’ trust again.

Valeri Nichushkin, W

Nichushkin put up 49 points, the most he’s produced since 2023-24, but anyone watching the Avalanche could see he wasn’t the same. The big Russian’s goal total fell to 17, a four-season low. He disappeared for long stretches and was ultimately ineffective in the playoffs.

The Blue Jackets bought low on him, and his combination of size and skill make him a great fit for Columbus. It is just a matter of finding that drive to his game again. He’s signed through 2029-30, so he isn’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future.

When he’s on, Nichushkin is the kind of big, physical, offensively gifted winger the Blue Jackets have been missing. Perhaps playing with some of the young dynamic forwards Columbus has will unlock him once again.

The Young Core Needs to Deliver on its Promise

Greaves has re-signed for the short-term. Cole Sillinger is back with a new deal. The core of this team is littered with high draft picks and tons of promise. Now is the time to finally deliver and get this team back over the playoff hump.

There are still problems and they still have some things to figure out. That said, if the culture is going to change any time in the near future, this seems like the time to act. A group facing a true “sink or swim” season looks poised to finally make the Blue Jackets a force to be reckoned with.