3 Blue Jackets Free Agents Need to Go – Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are facing one of the most difficult seasons in their history. After a late run at a playoff spot and falling short, the Blue Jackets must decide whether to make a big move or hold back and hope to improve enough to make a difference.

The team has taken a big step by re-signing center Charlie Coyle long term, and could be in for a season of intense rumors.

1.) Boone Jenner

It can be difficult to know when to move on, especially when it comes to a long-term core piece. The truth is that it is time for captain Boone Jenner to leave after 13 seasons with the only franchise he has known.

Jenner has been a dynamic, core part of the Blue Jackets since almost day one. But now, injuries have taken a toll on his career over the past few seasons. Combined with mediocre production, it begs the question of what a young contender has to offer in order to develop into everyday NHL players.

Even if there is a sweetheart deal to bring him back as a fourth-line player, it may not be enough to bring him back. The Blue Jackets have a number of prospects ready to move to the NHL, so it’s time to move on from a veteran captain.

2.) Danton Heinen

This is not an earth-shattering move but these types of moves are rare. The Blue Jackets are ranked high and will be hoping for big steps from guys like Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger, and a full season outing from Mason Marchment. That means a small spot down the list for guys like Heinen.

With cheaper, younger options like Luca Del Bel Belluz, Luca Pinelli, and others available, it makes sense to move on from Heinen and his $2.25 million salary. Heinen is fine for what he is but, unfortunately for him, a serviceable piece.

3.) Erik Gudbranson

Columbus’ front four is basically set with Zach Werenski, Ivan Provorov, Dante Fabbro, and Damon Severson, all long-term signings. Denton Mateychuk looks like a solid everyday piece who could develop into a top four role down the line.

Where does that leave veteran Gudbranson? His contract is off the books this offseason, and his $4 million average annual value (AAV) would serve a better purpose. The Green Jackets have a few young players like Corson Ceulemans and Stanislav Svozil who could be ready to step into a lower pairing role and will do so for less money.

Gudbranson is big and has a good body, but he is expensive for a utility defender. On top of that, he has had major injury problems over the past few seasons, only making 37 appearances in 2025-26. It’s time to move on and fill the space with a cheap new one.

Important Offseason in Columbus

The IIHF World Championships are the main focus for some members of their roster, but the new season will be here before we know it. The Blue Jackets feel like a team that shouldn’t be thinking only about picks and prospects.

This is not a team that will contend for a Stanley Cup in the near future but they may have the kind of pieces that, if they develop well, could make them a force to be reckoned with. The Green Jackets are small and have many pieces, but this offseason could tell what their next few seasons look like.