The Columbus Blue Jackets scramble to finalize their opening night roster, with surprise moves like Miles Wood’s unexpected trip to waivers. Standout preseason performances from Jet Greaves and Valeri Nichushkin ignite questions about lineup strategy. Can Sean Monahan’s rejuvenated play and Adam Fantilli’s return spark the top six, or will last season’s woes linger as they face the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday?

We examine the Blue Jackets’ cap crunch, speculate on creative solutions like Denton Mateychuk’s potential paper move, and break down the impact of Ryan Lomberg’s addition. Key topics include struggles in the preseason finale against the Detroit Red Wings, the evolving third pairing on defense, and looming decisions around long-term IR for Elvis Merzlikins. With the deadline closing in and Buffalo’s roster in disarray, is Columbus ready for a fast start—or just chaos on opening night?

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Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate a dominant preseason shutout and lock in Adam Fantilli’s contract extension. Can this roster stay cap compliant without sacrificing vital depth?

We break down the Blue Jackets’ 4-0 win over a youthful Pittsburgh Penguins squad, spotlighting Cam Talbot’s 13-save shutout and the breakout chemistry of the Voronkov-Monahan-Nichushkin line. The discussion explores Cole Sillinger’s fit on the top line, Zach Werenski’s evolving defensive pairings, and how injuries and waivers could shape the opening night roster. Key topics include the intricacies of NHL salary cap management, potential usage of LTIR for Elvis Merzlikins, and what Don Waddell’s strategic moves reveal about the front office’s confidence. The Blue Jackets’ upcoming clash with the Detroit Red Wings promises a closer look at the team’s new-look lines.

Will Adam Fantilli immediately elevate Columbus’s attack? Can the Blue Jackets’ cap maneuvering set them up for early season success?

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This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Columbus Blue Jackets finally lock in Adam Fantilli with a $13.75M, six-year contract, ending weeks of speculation and anxiety among fans. Does this bold investment position the Blue Jackets for a long-term turnaround, or is the price tag too steep for the franchise’s rising star?

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Talkiatry
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Odoo
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KALSHI
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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Columbus Blue Jackets inch closer to securing Adam Fantilli’s lucrative new contract, but could the drawn-out negotiations impact his start to the NHL season? We examine contract rumors swirling around Fantilli, potential term and dollar amounts, and how these negotiations stack up against recent league deals for young stars like Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are sending an inexperienced squad to town for a pivotal preseason clash. We break down the Blue Jackets’ NHL-heavy roster, and explore lineup decisions amid injuries to key defensemen like Damon Severson and Dante Fabbro. Hear insights on the new-look top six and whether players like Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko can spark offensive chemistry as opening night approaches. Can the Blue Jackets capitalize on this opportunity and build momentum for the regular season?

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Talkiatry
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Odoo
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KALSHI
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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets struggle as NHL-caliber Sabres overpower their AHL-heavy lineup, raising key questions about depth and preseason readiness. Can players like Jake Christiansen and Carson Soucy rise to the occasion and secure roster spots, or will injuries and underwhelming performances open the door for surprises?

The conversation focused on individual performances, with Dmitri Voronkov, Boston Buckberger, and Luca Pinelli showing flashes amidst adversity, while concerns grow over Mikhail Pyyhtia's injury and Damon Severson’s status for the home opener. Key themes include roster competition for the fourth-line, the impact of injuries, and the implications for the Cleveland Monsters. The discussion explored what the upcoming presumed NHL-heavy preseason game against the Red Wings means for the Blue Jackets’ final roster decisions. Will Columbus find the right mix before the season begins?

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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

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The Columbus Blue Jackets edge Detroit in a 1-0 shootout thriller! Josh Eernisse, Luca Pinelli, and Denton Mateychuk shine, while others such as Conor Garland and Mikhail Pyyhtia raise questions after quieter nights. Power play and penalty kill units show new promise under revamped coaching, fueling optimism for the season ahead.

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Talkiatry
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Odoo
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KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started. 
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

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KALSHI
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NOTE: Tonight we'll be going live at 6pm eastern to talk about day 2 of camp! Bring a beverage and a question and we'll chat.

The New York Rangers eye redemption after a dismal season, but will key offseason moves and emerging stars be enough to spark a turnaround? Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox’s health could make or break the campaign, while the arrivals of Pavel Dorofeyev and Oliver Bjorkstrand aim to resolve last year’s scoring drought. Can the Rangers’ upgraded top six finally deliver offensive firepower?

Jay Forster and Jon Chik break down vital questions for both the Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets, spotlighting Gabe Perreault’s rapid development, Alexis Lafrenière’s shifting role, and the aftermath of Boone Jenner’s departure. The episode also covers Alberts Smits’ potential debut, the impact of new coaching hires, and where both teams might land in a stacked Metropolitan Division. With playoff hopes on the line, will the Rangers or Blue Jackets be the surprise success of the season?

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KALSHI
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Columbus Blue Jackets face uncertainty as Adam Fantilli’s contract holdout extends into training camp, fueling questions about leadership roles and potential shifts in team dynamics. Could the delay signal bigger changes behind the scenes? The podcast unpacks GM Don Waddell’s lack of urgency, Fantilli’s absence from Group 1 practices, and the mixed signals surrounding Kirill Marchenko’s future.

Coach Rick Bowness’s evolving line combinations generate speculation, especially with Cole Sillinger’s return to center and debates about Sean Monahan’s fit. The captaincy announcement seems to be incoming, with Zach Werenski, Charlie Coyle, and Fantilli as frontrunners, yet no official decision. The bombshell retirement of longtime executive Mike Priest adds intrigue—timed suspiciously close to the Fantilli contract saga, raising speculation about leadership changes in Columbus. How will these moves impact the Blue Jackets’ season outlook and locker room chemistry?

Butcher Box
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KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. 

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The Columbus Blue Jackets face franchise-defining questions as Kirill Marchenko’s trade rumors keep coming ahead of training camp. Could dealing their breakout winger undermine a critical playoff push? This episode unpacks the uncertainty surrounding Marchenko’s future, weighing the cost of moving a back-to-back 30-goal scorer and dissecting the front office’s strategy under GM Don Waddell.

Goaltending stability is also in the spotlight as veteran Cam Talbot signs on, aiming to bolster the crease with Elvis Merzlikins potentially sidelined on long-term IR. How will these shifts affect the Blue Jackets’ cap space, line combinations, and shot at staying competitive? Will Columbus hold firm or gamble away key pieces before opening night? The path to a successful season could hinge on the next few days.

Butcher Box
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Aura
Aura helps protect your personal information by actively removing your data from data broker sites and keeping it off. Start your free trial today at http://aura.com/aware.
 

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. 

FanDuel
Get three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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