Columbus Blue Jackets Announce Preseason, Move Tournament

Columbus Blue Jackets announced a compact four‑game preseason schedule and a relocation of their annual prospects tournament, setting the stage for the 2026‑27 NHL season. The slate runs Sept. 21‑26 with matchups against Detroit, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and a final stop back in Detroit, while the prospects event moves to Detroit’s Belfor Training Center.

What does the preseason schedule look like?

The Jackets will open on Sept. 21 at Nationwide Arena against the Detroit Red Wings, then travel to Buffalo for a Sept. 22 game versus the Sabres. After a two‑day break, Pittsburgh visits Columbus on Sept. 24, and the preseason wraps with a road finale in Detroit on Sept. 26. All contests tip‑off at 7 p.m., giving coaches a tight window to evaluate line combinations before the regular season begins.

Why is the prospects tournament moving?

After two years in Buffalo, the Blue Jackets’ prospects tournament heads to Michigan, joining the Red Wings at the Belfor Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena. The change offers a larger facility and closer proximity to the NHL clubs involved—Detroit, Dallas and Pittsburgh—allowing scouts to see talent side‑by‑side in a professional‑grade environment.

Who will the young players face?

During the Sept. 12‑15 tournament, Columbus prospects will square off against peers from the Red Wings, Stars and Penguins. The format mirrors a mini‑round‑robin, giving each forward and defenseman a chance to showcase speed, puck handling and defensive awareness against comparable competition.

How does this fit into the Jackets’ broader outlook?

As of July 7, 2026, the Jackets sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 40‑30 record and a two‑game losing streak. The limited preseason gives head coach Pascal Vincent a chance to lock in top‑six forwards and test new defensive pairings before the grind of an 84‑game schedule begins. Early performance in both the preseason and prospects tournament could influence roster moves ahead of training camp.

What’s next for Columbus?

With the regular‑season calendar still under wraps, the Jackets will use the four preseason games to fine‑tune power‑play units and evaluate goaltender depth. Prospects who impress in Detroit may earn entry‑level contracts or a spot in the AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. Fans can expect the first regular‑season home game to follow shortly after the preseason concludes, likely in early October.

Who can fans contact for more info?

Dispatch beat reporter Brian Hedger is the point of contact for additional details. He can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com or on social media @BrianHedger.bsky.social.