Columbus Blue Jackets Return to Practice Focused on Playoff Chase

NHL team prepares for 26-game sprint to the playoffs after Winter Olympics break

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Columbus Blue Jackets returned to practice on February 18th after a two-week break during the NHL's pause for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The team is now focused on a 26-game sprint to the playoffs, sitting four points out of a postseason spot. With pending free agents and a new coach in Rick Bowness, the Jackets have a lot to address in a short amount of time before the March 6th trade deadline.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets were on a roll before the Olympic break, winning 10 of their last 11 games. This late-season push has put them back in playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. However, with several key players' contracts expiring and a new coach trying to implement his systems, the team faces a lot of uncertainty as they try to secure a postseason berth.

The details

The Blue Jackets returned to the ice for a spirited practice on February 18th, going through up-tempo drills for an hour. They will have a week of work before jumping back into games, facing the Boston Bruins on February 26th and the New York Islanders on February 28th. After that, the team has a grueling schedule of 17 games in March and 7 in April, leaving little room for error. Coach Rick Bowness spent the break reviewing game film and sees areas where the team needs to improve, despite their recent success.

  • The Blue Jackets' last game before the Olympic break was on February 4th.
  • The team returned to practice on February 18th.
  • Their first game back is on February 26th against the Boston Bruins.
  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 6th.

The players

Boone Jenner

The 32-year-old Blue Jackets captain is one of several pending free agents on the team.

Erik Gudbranson

The defenseman is also set to be a free agent after this season.

Rick Bowness

The new head coach of the Blue Jackets, who replaced Dean Evason on January 12th.

Don Waddell

The Blue Jackets' president and general manager, who will have to make decisions about the team's pending free agents before the trade deadline.

Charlie Coyle

The forward is another pending free agent for the Blue Jackets.

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What they’re saying

“We want this group here to taste that, so right now it's about the process of putting in the work to get to that point.”

— Boone Jenner, Blue Jackets captain (The Dispatch)

“Columbus was only two points out of the playoffs last year, right? So, we have to make sure we're ready right out of the gate. We have to be the most prepared team and make sure we're totally focused and ready to go, because it's going to be a sprint and every game matters, especially for us.”

— Charlie Coyle, Blue Jackets forward (The Dispatch)

“I went back over quite a few games because we're still not where I want us to be. It's nice that we're winning, but there are still things that I see that we're inconsistent at. ... But that's human nature. You don't flip a switch and make those changes. It takes time and patience, and we don't have a lot of either right now.”

— Rick Bowness, Blue Jackets head coach (The Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.