The Columbus Blue Jackets history reflects the journey of an NHL team born in 2000, bringing top-tier Columbus Blue Jackets hockey to Ohio. Known for their loyal fan base and thrilling games, the Blue Jackets have carved their place in the league. Their story includes memorable playoff runs, standout players, and a growing reputation for competitive hockey.
Established
2000
City
Columbus
League History
2000 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
2000 – Present / Columbus Blue Jackets
Nickname
Blue Jackets – The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional hockey team based in Ohio, and they have been part of the National Hockey League (NHL) since 2000. The team’s nickname has become an iconic symbol for fans nationwide, but many don’t know where it comes from.
Columbus Blue Jackets Origin
When deciding on a name for their new franchise, Columbus wanted to pay tribute to Ohio's rich history of military service. Through research, they found that during the Civil War, there was an infantry unit called “the Blue Jacket Regiment." This regiment earned its name because of its distinctive blue jackets with yellow trim - worn by all members as part of their uniform.
In honor of this historical group and its bravery in battle, Columbus decided to use "Blue Jackets" as the official nickname for their NHL franchise when it joined in 2000 – making them just one out of three teams named after a historical figure or event (the others being Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks).
Not only is this connection meaningful on its terms, but it also serves as a reminder that sports can be more than just entertainment – they can do as powerful symbols too! So next time you cheer on your favorite hockey team, remember: behind every good mascot is usually some exciting history worth exploring further!
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
Arena
2000 – Present / Nationwide Arena
Owner
2000 – Present / John P. McConnell
- 2000
- 2000
- 2007
-
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Formation
Columbus’ hopes for the bid dimmed when the May referendum failed. However, Nationwide announced on May 31, 1997, that it would finance the $150-million arena. Subsequently, on June 25, 1997, the NHL announced that Columbus would receive a new franchise. On June 23, 2000, the NHL’s two newest teams, the Blue Jackets, and the Minnesota Wild took part in the ... -
Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena is a large multi-purpose arena, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Since its completion in 2000, the arena has served as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. The seating capacity for Ice hockey is 18,500. -
The Cannon
Prior to the start of the 2007 – 2008 season, the Blue Jackets organization brought a hand-made replica 1857 Napoleon cannon into Nationwide Arena. The cannon is “fired” at home games whenever: *the Blue Jackets take the ice at the start of the game *the Blue Jackets score a goal *the Blue Jackets win the game It was fired 164 ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Columbus Blue Jackets History
The Columbus Blue Jackets history reflects the rise of a dedicated NHL franchise based in Columbus, Ohio. Established as an expansion team in 2000, the Blue Jackets joined the NHL for the 2000–01 season and quickly became a recognizable name in Columbus Blue Jackets hockey. Their passionate fan base and fierce rivalry with the Nashville Predators have helped shape their identity in the league.
During the early years, success was hard to find. However, by the 2008–09 season, the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team made its first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance, facing the Detroit Red Wings. Although they were swept in four games, that experience laid the foundation for future growth. The Blue Jackets improved their regular-season performances, winning 41 games that year, which remains a milestone in Columbus Blue Jackets history.
In 2013–14, the team secured another playoff berth and took the Pittsburgh Penguins to a hard-fought six-game series, showing steady progress. By the 2016–17 season, Columbus Blue Jackets hockey reached new heights with a franchise-record 50 wins and 108 points, finishing third in the NHL overall standings. This run included a 16-game winning streak, the longest in franchise history, which cemented their status as a rising power.
Blue Jackets Achievements
The greatest achievement in Columbus Blue Jackets history came during the 2018–19 playoffs. The team stunned the hockey world by sweeping the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, marking their first-ever playoff series victory. This iconic moment in Columbus Blue Jackets hockey showed the resilience and competitive spirit of the franchise on the biggest stage.
Since then, the Blue Jackets have remained a tough opponent in the Eastern Conference. Players like Rick Nash, Sergei Bobrovsky, Seth Jones, and Zach Werenski have defined eras of success in Columbus Blue Jackets history, building a winning culture. With a young core and a loyal fan base, Columbus Blue Jackets hockey continues to aim for even deeper playoff runs and a future Stanley Cup championship.
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Retired Number
61 / Rick Nash
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history