History of Columbus Blue Jackets in Timeline
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, competing in the NHL's Eastern Conference, Metropolitan Division. They joined the league as an expansion team in 2000.
1919: Stanley Cup Not Awarded
In 2004, the Stanley Cup was not awarded for the first time since the flu epidemic of 1919.
1926: Ron Tugnutt ties NHL record
In 2000, Ron Tugnutt tied the 74-year-old NHL record (set in 1926) for wins by an expansion-team goaltender with 22 wins.
1976: Cleveland Barons Season
1978: Cleveland Barons Season
1991: Columbus Chill Season
In 1991, the Columbus Chill played in the city of Columbus.
1995: Marc Denis Sets League Record
During the 2002-03 season, Marc Denis set a league record with 4,511 minutes played and tied for second all-time for games played in a season by a goaltender, just two shy of the league record held by St. Louis Blues' Grant Fuhr in the 1995–96 season.
November 1996: Columbus Hockey Limited Partnership Formed
In November 1996, five investors formed a partnership called Columbus Hockey Limited and submitted an application to the NHL to create a team.
May 31, 1997: Nationwide Finances Arena
On May 31, 1997, Nationwide announced it would finance the $150 million arena for the Blue Jackets.
June 25, 1997: NHL Awards Franchise to Columbus
On June 25, 1997, the NHL officially announced that Columbus would receive a new franchise.
August 1997: "Name the Team" Contest
In August 1997, a "Name the Team" contest was held with Wendy's throughout central Ohio.
1999: Columbus Chill Season
In 1999, the Columbus Chill played in the city of Columbus.
June 23, 2000: 2000 NHL Expansion Draft
On June 23, 2000, the Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild participated in the 2000 NHL expansion draft in Calgary, selecting players from existing teams.
October 7, 2000: First Regular Season Game
On October 7, 2000, the Blue Jackets played their first regular season game, a 5–3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Bruce Gardiner scored the franchise's first goal.
2000: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired
At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, the NHL retired Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 for all its member teams.
2000: Dave King Fired
During the 2002-03 season, Dave King, head coach since 2000, was fired mid-season and replaced by general manager Doug MacLean.
2000: "Stinger" Uniforms
From 2000 the team used the white "Stinger" uniforms.
2000: Nationwide Arena Inauguration
In 2000, Nationwide Arena, the home of the Blue Jackets, opened in downtown Columbus.
2000: Sharks trade Jan Caloun
In 2000, The San Jose Sharks traded Jan Caloun, a ninth-round pick in the 2000 NHL entry draft, and a 2001 conditional pick to Columbus; in return, the Blue Jackets agreed not to select the Sharks' unprotected goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.
2000: Expansion Team Launch
In 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets began playing as an expansion team in the National Hockey League (NHL).
2000: George Matthews Calling Blue Jackets Games
Since the team's inception in 2000, George Matthews had been calling Blue Jackets games.
2001: Sharks trade Jan Caloun
In 2001, The San Jose Sharks traded Jan Caloun, a ninth-round pick in the 2000 NHL entry draft, and a 2001 conditional pick to Columbus; in return, the Blue Jackets agreed not to select the Sharks' unprotected goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.
March 2002: Brittanie Cecil Tragedy
In March 2002, 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil was killed after being struck by a deflected puck at Nationwide Arena, leading to increased safety measures in NHL arenas. As a result of her death, large nylon mesh nets were installed behind the goals in all NHL arenas to shield spectators from pucks going over the glass.
2002: Marc Denis Named Starting Goaltender
In 2002, Marc Denis was named starting goaltender for the Blue Jackets, playing a franchise-record 77 games that season.
2002: Draft Pick Trade with Dallas Stars
In 2002, The Blue Jackets traded a second-round draft pick and Ron Tugnutt to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Dallas' first-round pick.
2003: Draft Pick Trade with Florida Panthers
In 2002, Columbus traded the third-overall pick and the option to flip draft spots in 2003 to the Florida Panthers; in return, Columbus received the first-overall pick, which they used to select Rick Nash.
2003: Stinger Removed From Jersey
In 2003, The image of Stinger was on the original Blue Jackets jerseys, eventually being removed in 2003.
2003: Alternate Logo Introduced
In 2003, an alternate logo for the Columbus Blue Jackets, a stylized version of the flag of Ohio, was introduced.
2003: Todd Marchant Signs Contract
In 2003, checking center Todd Marchant was signed to a five-year contract.
2003: Blue Pants Paired with White Uniform
In 2003, the team used the second "Reverse Retro" uniform
September 14, 2004: Beginning of NHL Lockout
September 14, 2004, marked the beginning of the lockout of the 2004–05 NHL season due to a failure to renew the collective bargaining agreement.
July 13, 2005: Agreement Reached to End Lockout
On July 13, 2005, an agreement was made between the NHLPA and NHL administration to end the lockout.
July 22, 2005: Official End of NHL Lockout
On July 22, 2005, the NHL lockout officially ended, paving the way for the 2005-06 season.
2005: Adam Foote Signs with Team
In the summer of 2005, rugged Colorado Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote agreed to a three-year deal with the team.
November 13, 2006: Gerard Gallant Relieved as Head Coach
On November 13, 2006, Gerard Gallant was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Blue Jackets.
December 10, 2006: Team-Record Power-Play Goals
On December 10, 2006, the Blue Jackets scored a team-record five power-play goals in a 6–2 win over the Ottawa Senators.
April 3, 2007: Record Shut-Outs in a Season
On April 3, 2007, the Blue Jackets broke the modern-day record for most times being shut-out in a season (16) with a 3–0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
April 18, 2007: Doug MacLean Fired
On April 18, 2007, Doug MacLean, the team's first general manager and president, was fired.
June 15, 2007: Scott Howson Named General Manager
On June 15, 2007, Scott Howson was named the new general manager of the Blue Jackets.
October 4, 2007: Affiliation with Elmira Jackals
On October 4, 2007, the Blue Jackets announced their affiliation with the Elmira Jackals, replacing their former affiliation with the Dayton Bombers.
2007: Rick Nash Named Cover Player for NHL 2K9
After the 2007–08 season, Nash was announced as the cover player for the NHL 2K9 video game by Take-Two Interactive.
2007: "Reverse Retro" Uniforms Designed by Adidas
In 2007, the "Stinger" uniforms ended their run.
2007: Logo Redesign
In 2007, the Columbus Blue Jackets' logo was redesigned as part of a Reebok-sponsored initiative. The alternate logo, a stylized version of the flag of Ohio, became the primary logo.
2007: Blue Pants Paired with White Uniform
In 2007, the team used the second "Reverse Retro" uniform
2007: Replica Cannon Introduced
Prior to the start of the 2007-08 season, the Columbus Blue Jackets organization brought a hand-made replica 1857 Napoleon cannon into Nationwide Arena.
February 26, 2008: Adam Foote Traded to Colorado Avalanche
On February 26, 2008, Blue Jackets captain Adam Foote was traded to the Colorado Avalanche after requesting a trade.
March 12, 2008: Rick Nash Named Team Captain
On March 12, 2008, Rick Nash was named the new team captain of the Blue Jackets.
July 9, 2008: Blue Jackets sign Hitchcock to extension
On July 9, 2008, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced they signed coach Ken Hitchcock to a three-year extension, ensuring he would remain as head coach.
2008: Blue Jackets make beneficial trades
Throughout 2008, the Columbus Blue Jackets engaged in trades that positively impacted the team, acquiring forward Jason Williams from the Atlanta Thrashers.
April 8, 2009: Blue Jackets secure first playoff berth
On April 8, 2009, the Columbus Blue Jackets clinched their first Stanley Cup playoff berth in franchise history after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks in a shootout.
July 2009: Bob McElligott Joins Radio Broadcast
In July 2009, Bob McElligott joined the Columbus Blue Jackets radio broadcast as a color analyst.
2009: First Stanley Cup Playoffs Appearance
In 2009, the Columbus Blue Jackets qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time, but were swept by the Detroit Red Wings.
2009: Blue Jackets trade for Antoine Vermette; Nash sets record
In 2009, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Pascal Leclaire for Antoine Vermette. Rick Nash also set a franchise record with 79 points throughout the season.
2010: Boomer Introduced as Mascot
In 2010, the Columbus Blue Jackets had another mascot, an anthropomorphic cannon named Boomer, for half of the 2010–11 season.
February 28, 2011: Blue Jackets trade Klesla and Byers for Upshall and Lepisto
On February 28, 2011, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Rostislav Klesla and Dane Byers to the Phoenix Coyotes for Scottie Upshall and Sami Lepisto at the trade deadline.
2011: Blue Jackets trade for Jeff Carter and sign free agents
In the 2011 off-season, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Jakub Voracek, their 2011 first-round pick, and a third-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for Jeff Carter. They also signed free agents James Wisniewski, Vaclav Prospal, and Radek Martinek.
July 2012: Rick Nash traded, captain position vacant
In July 2012, Rick Nash was traded, leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets' captain position vacant until May 20, 2015.
July 23, 2012: Blue Jackets trade Rick Nash to the Rangers
On July 23, 2012, Rick Nash was traded to the New York Rangers for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon, and a 2013 first-round draft pick.
2012: Changes in Blue Jackets management
In 2012, John Davidson became president of hockey operations for the Blue Jackets on October 24. Scott Howson was relieved of his duties as general manager on February 12, and Jarmo Kekalainen was hired as the new general manager.
2013: Bob McElligott Becomes Play-by-Play Analyst
In 2013, Bob McElligott became the play-by-play analyst for the Columbus Blue Jackets, taking over for George Matthews.
March 10, 2014: Game postponed due to Peverley's cardiac event
On March 10, 2014, a game between the Blue Jackets and the Dallas Stars was postponed due to Rich Peverley's cardiac event.
April 9, 2014: Blue Jackets clinch second playoff spot
On April 9, 2014, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured their second playoff spot in franchise history with a 3–1 victory over the Dallas Stars.
2014: Blue Jackets face Penguins in playoffs, win first game
In 2014, the Columbus Blue Jackets faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Blue Jackets won their first playoff game in franchise history, 4-3 in overtime.
2014: First Playoff Game Victory
In the 2014 playoffs, Columbus notched their first playoff game victory.
May 20, 2015: Nick Foligno named Blue Jackets captain
On May 20, 2015, Nick Foligno was named the sixth captain in the Columbus Blue Jackets' history, filling the vacancy left by Rick Nash's departure in July 2012.
June 30, 2015: Blue Jackets trade for Brandon Saad
On June 30, 2015, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Marko Dano, Artem Anisimov, Jeremy Morin, and Corey Tropp to the Chicago Blackhawks for Brandon Saad, Michael Paliotta and Alex Broadhurst.
2015: Blue Jackets start season with losing streak, fire coach
In 2015, the Columbus Blue Jackets began the season with an eight-game losing streak, leading to the firing of head coach Todd Richards.
January 6, 2016: Blue Jackets trade Ryan Johansen for Seth Jones
On January 6, 2016, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Seth Jones.
November 4, 2016: Blue Jackets score franchise-record ten goals
On November 4, 2016, the Columbus Blue Jackets set a franchise record by scoring ten goals in a 10–0 shutout victory against the Montreal Canadiens.
June 23, 2017: Blue Jackets trade Brandon Saad for Artemi Panarin and Tyler Motte
On June 23, 2017, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Brandon Saad back to Chicago for Artemi Panarin and Tyler Motte.
2019: First Playoff Series Win
In the 2019 playoffs, the Columbus Blue Jackets won their first playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first team in NHL history to sweep a Presidents' Trophy winner in the first round.
March 12, 2020: 2019-20 NHL season paused due to COVID-19
On March 12, 2020, the 2019–20 NHL season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: "Reverse Retro" Uniforms Designed by Adidas
In 2020, the Columbus Blue Jackets wore "Reverse Retro" alternate uniforms designed by Adidas, resembling the original "Stinger" uniforms from 2000-2007 but with a red base and white sleeve stripes.
January 21, 2021: Dubois benched in final game with Blue Jackets
On January 21, 2021, Pierre-Luc Dubois was benched for the second and third periods of his last game with the Columbus Blue Jackets before being traded.
May 1, 2021: Blue Pants Paired with White Uniform
On May 1, 2021, the Columbus Blue Jackets paired their road white uniform with blue pants against the Carolina Hurricanes.
June 10, 2021: Brad Larsen Promoted to Head Coach
On June 10, 2021, assistant coach Brad Larsen was promoted to head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets as the team entered a rebuild after the departure of John Tortorella and several key players.
July 4, 2021: Team Honored Matiss Kivlenieks
On July 4, 2021, during their season-opening game, the Columbus Blue Jackets honored backup goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, who tragically died in a fireworks accident. The team raised his number inside Nationwide Arena for the season. His family performed a ceremonial puck drop and Elvis Merzlikins was allowed to wear #80.
October 12, 2021: Boone Jenner Named Captain
On October 12, 2021, Boone Jenner was named the seventh captain in the Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history.
April 16, 2022: Blue Jackets Eliminated from Playoff Contention
On April 16, 2022, the Columbus Blue Jackets were officially eliminated from playoff contention after the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens.
July 13, 2022: Erik Gudbranson Signed
On July 13, 2022, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a four-year contract.
2022: Blue Pants Paired with White Uniform
Starting with the 2022-23 season, the Columbus Blue Jackets' road white uniform was paired with blue pants.
March 17, 2023: Blue Jackets Eliminated from Playoff Contention
On March 17, 2023, the Columbus Blue Jackets were eliminated from playoff contention after a 7–4 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
April 15, 2023: Brad Larsen Relieved of Head Coach Duties
On April 15, 2023, the Columbus Blue Jackets relieved Brad Larsen of his duties as head coach.
June 6, 2023: Ivan Provorov Trade
On June 6, 2023, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded for Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers.
2023: Top Ten Point Scorers in Franchise History
In 2023, The top ten-point-scorers in franchise history are recorded.
February 15, 2024: Jarmo Kekalainen Fired
On February 15, 2024, the Columbus Blue Jackets fired general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
June 17, 2024: Vincent Fired
On June 17, 2024, the Columbus Blue Jackets fired head coach Pascal Vincent.
March 28, 2025: Information Updated
The information regarding the Columbus Blue Jackets was updated on March 28, 2025.
2025: Stadium Series Uniforms
For the team's 2025 Stadium Series game, they wore dark blue uniforms and pants with white, silver and red trim.
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