NHL Off-Season Questions: Key Challenges for Non-Playoff Teams

Columbus, Ohio, isn’t just the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes or the birthplace of Wendy’s. It’s also where the Columbus Blue Jackets—one of the NHL’s most enigmatic franchises—are staring down a summer of reckoning. And if you’re a hockey fan in Central Ohio, or even just a local business owner who’s felt the ripple effects of the team’s struggles, this off-season isn’t just about hockey. It’s about culture, identity, and whether a city that’s spent years investing in its sports teams will finally see a return on that faith.

On April 27, 2026, as the Stanley Cup Playoffs heat up with 16 teams battling for hockey’s ultimate prize, the Blue Jackets are already looking ahead to next season—and the question hanging over them isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about something far more intangible: What does a “culture change” actually appear like? That’s the challenge facing head coach Rick Bowness, who, after a late-season collapse that saw Columbus drop 10 of its last 13 games and miss the playoffs by seven points, told reporters in no uncertain terms: “If I’m back, I’m changing this culture.” Well, he’s back. And now, the city is waiting to see what that means—not just for the team, but for the fans, the businesses, and the broader sports culture that makes Columbus a hockey town in the first place.

The Culture Problem: More Than Just a Hockey Issue

Culture in sports is a slippery concept. It’s not something you can measure in goals scored or save percentages, but anyone who’s spent time around the Blue Jackets—or around Columbus itself—knows it’s been a problem for years. The team has made bold moves to shake things up: trading for Patrik Laine in 2021, signing Johnny Gaudreau in free agency in 2022, and even pursuing Jakob Chychrun when he was on the market. Yet, despite these splashy additions, the Blue Jackets finished dead last in the Eastern Conference this season. That’s not just a disappointment; it’s a pattern.

For locals, this isn’t just about hockey. Columbus is a city that takes pride in its sports teams, even when they struggle. The Ohio State football program is a juggernaut, the Crew have turned into a soccer powerhouse, and the Blue Jackets—despite their ups and downs—have carved out a niche as the city’s winter passion. But when a team consistently underperforms, it doesn’t just affect ticket sales. It trickles into the bars along High Street, the sports merchandise shops in the Arena District, and even the corporate sponsorships that keep the lights on. A losing culture isn’t just a locker room issue; it’s an economic one.

So what does Bowness mean by “changing the culture”? The primary sources don’t spell it out in detail, but the clues are there. For starters, the team has four key unrestricted free agents (UFAs) this summer: Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, Erik Gudbranson, and captain Boone Jenner. General manager Don Waddell will have to decide who to re-sign, who to let walk, and who might fetch a return in a trade. But more than that, Bowness is likely talking about accountability—both on and off the ice. Are players buying into the system? Are veterans setting the right tone for younger players? And perhaps most importantly, is the front office willing to make the tough decisions to back up the coach’s vision?

This isn’t the first time Columbus has faced a culture reckoning. In 2012, the Blue Jackets fired head coach Scott Arniel mid-season after a dismal 11-25-5 start. The move was a shock, but it signaled that the organization was willing to make drastic changes to turn things around. That summer, they hired Todd Richards, who led the team to its first-ever playoff appearance in 2014. The difference? Richards inherited a roster that included young stars like Ryan Johansen and Seth Jones, and the team finally had a core to build around. Today, the Blue Jackets have youth—five first-round picks in the last two years—but they’re still searching for that spark.

What’s at Stake for Columbus?

For a city like Columbus, sports aren’t just entertainment; they’re a part of the city’s identity. The Blue Jackets play in Nationwide Arena, a downtown landmark that’s become a hub for concerts, conventions, and community events. When the team struggles, it’s not just the players who feel it—it’s the hot dog vendors outside the arena, the Uber drivers shuttling fans to and from games, and the local businesses that rely on the foot traffic. A losing team means fewer sellouts, fewer corporate suites booked, and fewer dollars circulating through the local economy.

But the stakes go beyond economics. Columbus is a city that’s grown rapidly in the last decade, attracting young professionals, tech companies, and a thriving food and arts scene. A successful sports team can be a point of pride for a city that’s still sometimes overlooked in favor of Cleveland or Cincinnati. When the Blue Jackets made the playoffs in 2014, 2017, and 2018, it wasn’t just a hockey story—it was a Columbus story. The city rallied around the team in a way that showed what the city could be when it came together. If Bowness and Waddell can’t turn things around, that sense of unity could fade.

There’s also the question of the team’s young core. Columbus has spent the last few years stockpiling draft picks, and they’ll have two more first-rounders this summer. But young players require leadership, and right now, it’s unclear who that leader is. Boone Jenner, the team’s captain, is a respected veteran, but he’s also a pending UFA. If the Blue Jackets let him walk, who steps into that role? And if they re-sign him, will he be part of the solution—or part of the problem?

Then there’s the elephant in the room: the NHL Draft. The Blue Jackets don’t have a shot at Connor Bedard, the generational talent who went first overall in 2023, but they could still land a franchise-changing player. The question is whether the organization is ready to build around that player—or if they’ll waste another top pick on a system that isn’t set up for success.

The Local Angle: What So for Columbus Residents

If you’re a Columbus resident, this off-season isn’t just something to watch from the sidelines. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or just someone who cares about the city’s economy and culture, the Blue Jackets’ struggles—and their potential turnaround—affect you. Here’s how:

• For Business Owners: If you run a bar, restaurant, or retail shop near Nationwide Arena, the Blue Jackets’ success (or lack thereof) directly impacts your bottom line. A winning team means more sellouts, more events, and more customers. A losing team means fewer game nights and quieter weekends. This summer, pay attention to the team’s moves in free agency and the draft. A big signing or a high draft pick could be a sign that the team is serious about turning things around—and that could mean a boost for your business next season.
• For Sports Fans: If you’re a hockey fan in Columbus, What we have is a pivotal moment. The Blue Jackets have been stuck in mediocrity for years, and this off-season could determine whether they finally break out—or whether they’ll continue to languish at the bottom of the league. If you’re tired of watching the team struggle, now is the time to make your voice heard. Attend fan forums, engage with the team on social media, and let the front office know what you want to see. The more fans demand change, the more likely the organization is to listen.
• For Job Seekers: The Blue Jackets aren’t just a hockey team; they’re a major employer in the Columbus area. From the players and coaches to the arena staff and front office, the organization provides hundreds of jobs. If the team starts to turn things around, it could lead to more hiring, more events, and more opportunities for locals. Keep an eye on the team’s job postings and consider how a successful franchise could open doors for you.

What’s Next for the Blue Jackets?

So what does a “culture change” actually look like for the Blue Jackets? Based on the primary sources, here are the key moves to watch this summer:

1. Free Agency: Will the team re-sign Boone Jenner, or will they let their captain walk? Jenner is a respected leader, but he’s also 33 years old and coming off a down year. If the Blue Jackets let him go, it could signal a shift toward a younger core. If they re-sign him, it could be a sign that they’re doubling down on experience.
2. The Draft: The Blue Jackets have two first-round picks this year, and they’ll need to hit on at least one of them if they want to build a contender. But drafting a talented player is only half the battle. The team will need to develop that player—and that’s where culture comes into play. If the locker room isn’t a place where young players can thrive, even the most talented prospects will struggle.
3. Coaching Adjustments: Rick Bowness has been around the NHL for decades, and he’s seen what works and what doesn’t. But will the front office give him the tools he needs to succeed? That could mean bringing in fresh assistant coaches, shaking up the scouting department, or even making changes to the team’s analytics staff. Culture change starts at the top, and if the front office isn’t on the same page as the coaching staff, nothing will improve.
4. Fan Engagement: The Blue Jackets have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NHL, but even the most loyal supporters can only take so much losing. This summer, the team will need to reconnect with its fans—whether that means hosting open practices, offering discounted tickets, or simply being more transparent about their plans for the future. If the fans feel like they’re part of the process, they’ll be more likely to stick around when the team struggles.

If This Affects You in Columbus, Here’s Who You Need to Know

Given my background in sports journalism and local economic impact analysis, if the Blue Jackets’ off-season moves are hitting close to home for you in Columbus, here are the three types of local professionals you should be connecting with:

Sports Business Consultants

These are the experts who understand the intersection of sports, economics, and local business. If you’re a business owner near Nationwide Arena or in the Arena District, a sports business consultant can help you strategize how to capitalize on the Blue Jackets’ performance—whether that means adjusting your marketing, expanding your event offerings, or even negotiating partnerships with the team. Look for consultants with experience in:

• Event-based revenue strategies (e.g., game-day promotions, corporate partnerships)
• Fan engagement and loyalty programs
• Economic impact studies for sports franchises

When hiring, ask for case studies from other NHL markets (e.g., Nashville, Raleigh, or Buffalo) to ensure they understand the unique challenges of a mid-sized hockey city.

Employment and Labor Law Attorneys

If you work for the Blue Jackets—or if you’re considering a job with the team—this off-season could bring significant changes to the organization’s staffing. Whether it’s coaching changes, front-office shakeups, or even layoffs, an employment and labor law attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Look for attorneys who specialize in:

• Sports industry contracts (e.g., player, coach, and staff agreements)
• Wrongful termination and severance negotiations
• Non-compete clauses and intellectual property rights (especially relevant for scouts, analysts, and marketing staff)

Columbus has a strong legal community, so prioritize attorneys with ties to the Ohio State Bar Association or experience working with professional sports teams.

Community and Fan Engagement Specialists

If you’re a fan who wants to see the Blue Jackets succeed—or if you’re part of a local organization that partners with the team—now is the time to get involved. Community and fan engagement specialists can help you connect with the team, organize events, or even advocate for changes within the organization. These professionals often work in:

• Nonprofit and community outreach (e.g., youth hockey programs, charity partnerships)
• Social media and digital engagement (e.g., fan forums, online campaigns)
• Corporate sponsorship and activation (e.g., local businesses partnering with the team)

Look for specialists with experience in Columbus’ sports scene, particularly those who’ve worked with the Crew, Ohio State athletics, or other local teams. They’ll understand the city’s unique dynamics and how to rally support for the Blue Jackets.

The Bottom Line

The Columbus Blue Jackets are at a crossroads. After years of near-misses and false starts, the team is facing pressure to finally turn things around—not just for the sake of hockey, but for the sake of the city itself. A culture change isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about accountability, leadership, and whether the organization is willing to make the tough decisions needed to build a contender.

For Columbus residents, this off-season is an opportunity to engage with the team, support local businesses, and demand the kind of hockey that reflects the city’s growth and ambition. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a business owner, or just someone who cares about Columbus’ future, keep an eye on the Blue Jackets this summer. The moves they make—or don’t make—could shape the city’s sports landscape for years to come.

Ready to uncover trusted professionals to help you navigate the Blue Jackets’ off-season? Browse our complete directory of top-rated experts in the Columbus area today.