Columbus Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle is set to skate in his 1,000th NHL game tonight as the Blue Jackets host the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena. This milestone marks a significant achievement in Coyle's career, recognizing his consistent performance and longevity in the league.

Coyle, a native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, grew up in a hockey-loving family. His father, Chuck, was a high school MVP and college player, and his cousins include Bobby Sheehan, the first American to win the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1971, and Tony Amonte, a U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer. Coyle's journey to the NHL began in his hometown, playing for Weymouth High School before moving on to Thayer Academy and Boston University.

The San Jose Sharks drafted Coyle in the first round, 28th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. However, he never played for the Sharks, as he was traded to the Minnesota Wild in 2011. Coyle played with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2012. He made his NHL debut with the Wild in 2013, scoring his first NHL goal against the Calgary Flames on February 23, 2013. During his time with the Wild, Coyle became known for his memorable goal against the Los Angeles Kings on March 30, 2013.

In 2019, Coyle was traded to his hometown Boston Bruins, where he played until being traded to the Colorado Avalanche. He is currently a forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Before tonight's game, Coyle had four goals in the last four games, plus the shootout winner last Saturday in Pittsburgh. He is also one goal away from his 200th NHL career goal.

As Coyle prepares to play his 1,000th game, he joins a select club of just over 400 players who have reached this milestone.

Jet Greaves is expected to start in goal for the Blue Jackets, with Elvis Merzlikins backing him up. Mason Marchment and Isac Lundestrom are returning from injury. Brendan Gaunce and Zach Aston-Reese will be exiting the lineup.