Blue Jackets beat Florida for latest win, charge into trade deadline as buyers

The Blue Jackets are one point out of the second wild-card spot in the East after winning 14 of their last 17 games.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been on a hot streak, winning 14 of their last 17 games and pulling within one point of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With the NHL trade deadline approaching, GM Don Waddell has indicated he will be a buyer, looking to add scoring punch to the team despite having several pending unrestricted free agents. The Blue Jackets recently beat the Florida Panthers 4-2, with Mathieu Olivier scoring two goals and Ivan Provorov contributing a goal and two assists.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' recent surge has put them in playoff contention, and Waddell is now in a position to be a buyer at the trade deadline rather than a seller. This could allow the team to make a push for the playoffs, but it also comes with the risk of losing some key players to free agency this summer.

The details

The Blue Jackets have won 14 of their last 17 games, including a 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Mathieu Olivier scored two goals, Ivan Provorov had a goal and two assists, and goaltender Jet Greaves made 26 saves. The win, coupled with Boston's loss, pulls the Jackets within one point of the Bruins for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets have four crucial players - forwards Charlie Coyle, Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment, plus defenseman Erik Gudbranson - with contracts that expire after this season, but Waddell has indicated he's willing to risk losing them this summer to let this group make a run.

  • On Thursday, the Blue Jackets beat the Florida Panthers 4-2 before 16,669 in Nationwide Arena.
  • The Blue Jackets have won 14 of their last 17 games since mid-January.

The players

Don Waddell

The general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets who has indicated he will be a buyer at the NHL trade deadline.

Mathieu Olivier

A Blue Jackets forward who scored two goals in the win over the Panthers.

Ivan Provorov

A Blue Jackets defenseman who had a goal and two assists in the win over the Panthers.

Jet Greaves

The Blue Jackets' goaltender who made 26 saves in the win over the Panthers.

Charlie Coyle

A Blue Jackets forward with an expiring contract at the end of the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This time of year gets a little bit nerve-wracking. But we've done a great job. I think we have a great group of guys who get along really well, on and off the ice, and that's very important. Everybody's ready to play for each other, and I don't think that's something you really want to mess with.”

— Ivan Provorov, Defenseman (nytimes.com)

“We want to keep those guys in the room.”

— Mathieu Olivier, Winger (nytimes.com)

“When Werenski's out, a lot of guys have to step up, and Provy was definitely one of those guys for us. He's just playing every situation for us. He's doing such a great job. You saw it tonight. He contributes in every area.”

— Jet Greaves, Goaltender (nytimes.com)

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.