Blue Jackets' 2025-26 Forward Lineup: Projecting the Future Roster and Key Player Developments, Version 2.0.
  • 552 views
  • 2 min read

The Columbus Blue Jackets are heading into the 2025-26 season with a roster that's starting to take shape, thanks to some recent moves by General Manager Don Waddell. After a busy draft, the focus now shifts to free agency as the team looks to solidify its forward lines.

Forwards in the Mix

Several players are expected to be key contributors to the Blue Jackets' forward group in the upcoming season. Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, and Kirill Marchenko are likely to form a top line, while Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli are also expected to play significant roles. Yegor Chinakhov and Cole Sillinger are other forwards who could play in the top nine. Dmitri Voronkov is also expected to be a key player up front, coming off a career-high 23-goal season.

New Additions

The Blue Jackets recently acquired center Charlie Coyle and winger Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche. Coyle, a right-shot center, brings experience and versatility, capable of playing in any situation and even on the wing if needed. Wood adds speed and disruption to the bottom-six, with the potential to contribute offensively. These acquisitions address some of the questions surrounding the Blue Jackets' bottom-six.

Free Agency Decisions

The Blue Jackets have several unrestricted free agents (UFAs) to make decisions on, including James van Riemsdyk, Christian Fischer, and Justin Danforth. Waddell may revisit some of these situations, such as van Riemsdyk, but it seems likely that most will test the free agency market. The team also needs to make qualifying offers to restricted free agents (RFAs) like Dmitri Voronkov and Mikael Pyyhtia. With Voronkov coming off a strong season, he is due for a raise and could potentially be a target for offer sheets, though Waddell isn't concerned due to the team's cap space.

Projected Forward Lines

Based on the current roster and recent acquisitions, here's a possible projection of the Blue Jackets' forward lines for the 2025-26 season:

  • Boone Jenner - Sean Monahan - Kirill Marchenko
  • Kent Johnson - Adam Fantilli - ?
  • Yegor Chinakhov - Cole Sillinger - Mathieu Olivier
  • Zach Aston-Reese - Jack Williams/Luca Del Bel Belluz - Miles Wood

Prospects to Watch

Several prospects could also compete for roster spots. Jordan Dumais and Gavin Brindley are promising players, although another season in the AHL might be best for their development. Other prospects to keep an eye on include Luca Pinelli, Oiva Keskinen, and James Malatesta.

Areas for Improvement

While the Blue Jackets' forwards showed promise in the 2024-25 season, there's still room for improvement. Acquiring a scoring winger to play on the second line with Johnson and Fantilli could be a priority. The fourth line could also use a boost, with a need for a center and potentially another winger.

Offseason Outlook

The Blue Jackets are expected to be active in free agency as they look to add veteran firepower and address their needs on the wing. With approximately $28.5 million in projected cap space, the team has the flexibility to make significant additions. GM Don Waddell has made it clear that upgrading the top two lines of defense is also a priority, potentially through trades or free agency.

Overall, the Columbus Blue Jackets are in a good position to improve their roster and compete for a playoff spot in the 2025-26 season. With a mix of established players, promising prospects, and potential free-agent additions, the team's forward group is shaping up to be a key strength.


Writer - Diya Menon
Diya Menon is an enthusiastic journalist, eager to contribute fresh perspectives to the evolving media landscape, driven by a passion for sports. With a recent degree in communication studies, Diya is particularly interested in social trends and compelling human-interest stories within her community. She's dedicated to delivering well-researched and engaging content, aiming to uncover and share narratives that resonate deeply with the local population, while also actively following the latest in sports.
Advertisement

Latest Post


World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Tragedy struck in the Gharota area on the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday evening as an eight-year-old boy was fatally crushed by a speeding SUV. The young victim, Harsh Singh, was returning home with his father from their agricultural field when the in...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
Lamine Yamal is stepping into the spotlight at Barcelona, embracing the pressure that comes with joining a club steeped in history and কিংবদন্তি. The young player, who Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has called "touched by the wand of God," has been ha...

Technology  |  Aug 18, 2025
Ethereum (ETH) is currently navigating a critical juncture, with analysts closely observing price movements for signals of a potential retest of $3. 9K followed by a substantial rally. Recent market behavior shows ETH consolidating within a $3,900 to ...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Parliamentary proceedings have addressed key issues ranging from digital payment policies to skill development initiatives for adolescent girls. Here's a summary of the important updates: **No Transaction Charges on UPI Payments** The government ha...

Advertisement
World  |  Aug 18, 2025
On Monday, August 18, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a briefing on his recent summit with U. S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. The call, which was initiated by Putin, aimed to share i...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the validity of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, effectively upholding the Bombay High Court's previous decision. The petition, filed by Chetan Chandrakant Ahire, alleged that approximate...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Income Tax Department is intensifying its investigation into US-based investor Jane Street's Indian operations, seeking clarity on the firm's control and potential tax avoidance. This probe follows a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Premier League is back, with Leeds United hosting Everton at Elland Road to wrap up Matchweek 1 of the 2025-26 season. After a two-season absence, Leeds returns to the Premier League after winning the EFL Championship last season. Everton finishe...

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360