Blue Jackets Announce Roster for Preseason Opener Against St. Louis

What's Happening?

The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to kick off their preseason schedule with a game against the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. and will be available for fans to listen to on 97.1 The Fan and streamed within the Blue Jackets' television territory on BlueJackets.com and the CBJ app. The announced roster includes nine players who were part of the Columbus team last season, along with four players who played in the NHL with other teams during the 2024-25 season. Notably, goaltender Ivan Fedotov is expected to play the first two periods, while Evan Gardner, a second-round draft pick in 2024, will take over for the third period. This game marks the beginning of a busy preseason schedule for the Blue Jackets, featuring four games in four days, including home games against Buffalo and Pittsburgh.

Why It's Important?

The preseason games are crucial for the Blue Jackets as they provide an opportunity to evaluate the team's roster and make necessary adjustments before the regular season begins. For players like Ivan Fedotov and Evan Gardner, these games are significant as they offer a chance to showcase their skills and secure their positions on the team. The preseason also allows the coaching staff, led by head coach Dean Evason, to experiment with different lineups and strategies. For fans, these games are an opportunity to see new and returning players in action and build excitement for the upcoming season. The performance in these games can set the tone for the team's regular season, impacting their confidence and momentum.

What's Next?

Following the game against St. Louis, the Blue Jackets will continue their preseason with games against Buffalo and Pittsburgh. These games will further test the team's readiness and provide additional opportunities for players to prove themselves. The coaching staff will likely continue to rotate players to assess their performance under different conditions. As the preseason progresses, the team will aim to finalize their roster and strategies in preparation for the regular season. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team develops and which players emerge as key contributors.