Brooke: You think the offseason drama is over? Think again. Zach Werenski just said he believes fans are still behind him, but the real story isn't just about loyalty—it’s about whether this team can actually turn that belief into wins when the puck drops against Buffalo.
Tony: It’s a turbulent time for Columbus, but also an exciting one. We’ve got new contracts signed, a centralized broadcast deal with the NHL, and a center ice depth chart that looks like a puzzle no one quite knows how to solve yet.
Brooke: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of the Blue Jackets daily coverage! I’m Brooke, and I’m joined by Tony. If you’re new here, we break down everything from power plays to penalty kills, from contract negotiations to playoff predictions. Today is a mailbag episode, so get your questions ready because we are diving deep into the current roster picture, the standings, and those burning questions keeping fans up at night.
Tony: Exactly. And since it’s September 12th, training camps are opening around the league. That means every team has headlines, but Columbus has some specific ones we need to tackle. We’ve got three big segments today: first, we’ll answer your questions about Zach Werenski’s future and the team’s divisional standing. Then, we’ll break down the center ice depth chart—yes, there are seven centers on this roster—and finally, we’ll do a quick hypothetical about Jet Greaves’ new deal.
Brooke: Let’s get right into it. First question comes in from Sarah in Columbus. She asks: 'Zach Werenski says he believes fans are still on his side after a turbulent offseason. Do you think that’s true, and what does his comment mean for the franchise's long-term plans?' Tony, this is huge. How do you read Werenski’s statement?
Tony: I think it’s a smart move by Werenski. He knows the narrative has been tough. Two seasons left on his contract, and there’s always speculation about trade deadlines. But by publicly stating he wants to stay long-term, he’s putting pressure on management to either deliver a contender or give him a fair shot. It shifts the conversation from 'will he be traded?' to 'can we build around him?'
Brooke: Right, and he reiterated that his future is tied to contending. That’s key. He’s not just saying 'I want to stay,' he’s saying 'I want to win.' Does that change how you view the current roster construction?
Tony: It highlights the urgency. They’ve added Valeri Nichushkin, Conor Garland, Ivan Provorov, and Damon Severson. These are players who expect to compete for deep runs. If Werenski is serious about contending, then the front office needs to ensure the supporting cast matches that ambition. The addition of Erik Gudbranson for physicality and Dante Fabbro for offensive upside shows they’re trying to balance the blue line, but the defensive zone entries and neutral-zone play need to be sharper than last year.
Brooke: Speaking of balance, let’s look at the standings. The brief says Columbus is currently 1st in the Metropolitan Division with a 0-0-0 record. That’s preseason, obviously, but it reflects the optimism coming out of camp. Marcus from Cincinnati asks: 'With all these additions, is the Metropolitan Division really theirs to lose?'
Tony: ‘Theirs to lose’ might be strong language. The Metropolitan is brutal. You’ve got Carolina, New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia. But if this team clicks, yes, they have the talent to lead the division. The key is consistency. Can they maintain their forecheck intensity over 82 games? Can the goaltending hold up? That brings us to Jet Greaves.
Brooke: Ah, the Greaves contract. Dave in Dayton writes: 'Jet Greaves signed a three-year, $15 million deal. Is he the clear starter, or is Elvis Merzlikins still in the mix?' This was a big headline. What’s your take on the goalie situation?
Tony: Greaves getting locked in for three years signals that the organization sees him as the franchise goalie moving forward. $15 million over three years is a solid commitment. Merzlikins is still on the roster, and Pheonix Copley is there too, but Greaves has shown he can handle the volume. His positioning in the net and his rebound control should help stabilize the defense. I think he starts Opening Night against Buffalo.
Brooke: And remember, we predicted earlier that Greaves would secure the starting role, and it looks like that’s happening. One more question on this topic from @HockeyFan99: 'Does the NHL producing their own games for the Blue Jackets hurt or help morale?'
Tony: That’s an interesting angle. Centralized production means less local control but potentially higher quality broadcasts. For morale, it might actually help. Players see themselves on a national stage with better production values. It elevates the brand. Plus, being grouped with the Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes and the Wild suggests the NHL sees these teams as having significant market interest. It’s a vote of confidence.
Brooke: Okay, let’s pivot to Segment 2. We’re talking roster battles. Lisa in Cleveland sends in a classic: 'There are seven centers on this roster. Who makes the cut, and where does Cole Sillinger fit in?'
Tony: Seven centers is a lot. You’ve got Charlie Coyle, Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Isac Lundestrom, Sean Monahan, Cole Sillinger, and Owen Sillinger. That’s crowded. Cole Sillinger just signed a three-year, $13.875 million deal to avoid arbitration, which shows they value him. But he needs to earn his spot.
Brooke: Right, and we talked about this yesterday. Cole is young, but he’s been given a nice raise. Does that guarantee him a line?
Tony: Not necessarily. It guarantees him opportunity. I think Cole Sillinger will battle for a bottom-six role, maybe pairing with someone like Isac Lundestrom. Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson are the top-tier talents here, likely competing for top-six minutes. Charlie Coyle provides veteran leadership and two-way play. Sean Monahan is another option, though his injury history is a concern. Owen Sillinger might be the odd man out unless he shines in camp.
Brooke: So, fantasy hockey owners, take note. Fantilli and Johnson are the studs. Cole is a gamble. Ryan from Columbus asks: 'What about the wingers? With Kirill Marchenko and Valeri Nichushkin, is the top line set?'
Tony: Marchenko and Nichushkin form a dangerous duo. Nichushkin brings size and scoring, Marchenko brings speed and skill. They could be paired together. Danton Heinen and Riley Bezeau could provide support on the second line. Conor Garland adds versatility. Miles Wood brings grit. The wing depth is actually stronger than the center depth, which is a good problem to have.
Brooke: And don’t forget the defensemen. Ivan Provorov and Zach Werenski are the top pair. Damon Severson and Erik Gudbranson provide experience. Dante Fabbro and Denton Mateychuk are battling for spots. Remember, we predicted Mateychuk would secure a top-four role by mid-season. Do you still believe that?
Tony: I do. Mateychuk has the skating ability to match up with faster lines. If he can improve his decision-making in the defensive zone, he’s a lock. The coaching staff likes his upside. Brendan Smith and Egor Zamula are depth options, but Mateychuk is the one to watch.
Brooke: Okay, final question for this segment from @JacketNation22: 'Adam Fantilli is highly touted. Will he start on the top line, or does he need more time?'
Tony: Fantilli is a generational talent. He should start on the top line. His hockey IQ is high, and he’s ready for the physicality. The only risk is overworking him early in the season. But I think they’ll trust him. He’s got the skills to handle the workload.
Brooke: Great insights. Stick with us, because in Segment 3, we’re going to do a fun hypothetical about Jet Greaves and then hit you with a lightning round of quick takes. Don’t go anywhere!
Brooke: Welcome back. Let’s do a fun hypothetical. If Jet Greaves were to have a breakout season and win the Vezina Trophy, what would that mean for the rest of the league? Kevin in Columbus asks: 'Can Greaves really be Vezina worthy?'
Tony: It’s possible. If the defense protects him well, and he maintains a high save percentage and GAA, yes. He’s got the athleticism. The key is consistency. Vezina winners usually play for teams with strong defensive structures. Columbus has added pieces to help him. If he goes 40 wins, he’s in the conversation.
Brooke: Alright, lightning round. Quick takes. First: Kirill Marchenko. We predicted he’d score on opening night against Buffalo. Do you still feel confident in that?
Tony: Absolutely. Marchenko thrives in high-pressure situations. Opening Night is prime time. He’ll be motivated. I see him scoring.
Brooke: Second: The Blue Jackets’ playoff odds. We’ve been predicting a Wild Card finish, specifically 8th in the Eastern Conference. Are you sticking with that?
Tony: Yes. The Metropolitan is tough, but the East has weaknesses elsewhere. Columbus has the talent to sneak in as an 8-seed. It’s a realistic goal.
Brooke: Third: Who is the surprise player this season? Someone who exceeds expectations.
Tony: Denton Mateychuk. If he gets consistent minutes, he’ll be a point-per-game defenseman. Big jump expected.
Brooke: Fourth: Worst-case scenario for Columbus? What keeps them from making the playoffs?
Tony: Injuries to the top six forwards. Or if Greaves struggles early and loses confidence. Stability is key.
Brooke: Final question: What’s one thing you’re most excited to see in training camp?
Tony: The chemistry between Marchenko and Nichushkin. Watching them play together will tell us a lot about the team’s ceiling.
Brooke: Wow, what a mailbag. We covered Werenski’s loyalty, Greaves’ contract, the center ice chaos, and some bold predictions. Thanks for tuning in to the Beatline Podcast Network.
Tony: Yeah, lots to unpack. But hey, creating this fresh content every single day takes a ton of work, and we wouldn’t be able to keep the show free and daily without a handful of dedicated supporters stepping up. If you love what we do, please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description—it helps us keep bringing you this analysis every morning.
Brooke: We appreciate you. Please subscribe, rate, review, and share us with your friends. Go Blue Jackets! See you tomorrow!