Columbus Blue Jackets
· 2026-06-25
The Columbus Blue Jackets are celebrating their birthday, marking 26 years since the NHL granted approval for the expansion team on June 25th, 1997.
The NHL approved expansion teams for four cities, including Columbus, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, and Atlanta, paving the way for the Blue Jackets' inception.
The team's name was chosen through a contest, with "Blue Jackets" emerging as the winner, inspired by the blue coats worn by Union Soldiers during the Civil War, which were made in Columbus.
The name "Blue Jackets" is a nod to the city's rich history, and the team's colors, Union Blue, Goal Red, and Capital Silver, reflect this heritage, with the primary logo inspired by the Ohio state flag.
The team made their NHL debut on October 7th, 2000, in front of a packed Nationwide Arena, with Bruce Gardiner scoring the first-ever goal in CBJ history, assisted by Krzysztof Oliwa and Kevyn Adams.
As the team stands 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-30 record, on a L2 streak, they are looking ahead to the NHL Draft on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where they will own pick #14.
The city has embraced the team, and fans are hopeful that they will hear the sweet sounds of elation as the team raises the Stanley Cup above their heads, with their all-time record standing at 847-890-33-208.
And with the NHL Draft approaching, the Columbus Blue Jackets are poised to make some key moves, potentially shaping their future and bringing them closer to their goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
But for now, the team is focused on celebrating their birthday and looking ahead to the upcoming season, with their fans eagerly awaiting their next move.
So as the Columbus Blue Jackets mark this milestone, they are reminded of their journey and the loyal fan base that has supported them every step of the way.