3 Columbus Blue Jackets Not Expected Back Next Season

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been one of the surprise teams this season, and that has a ton to do with newly minted head coach Rick Bowness.

'Bones' has the Blue Jackets playing a tough brand of hockey and they've been climbing the standings in the Eastern Conference, entering Saturday's games sitting in a tie for the second wild-card spot with 88 points. Even if they make the playoffs, there's going to be a few players who won't be back on the team next season, as change is inevitable in a salary cap world.

Here's three Blue Jackets who aren't expected back next season:

Charlie Coyle

Coyle's had himself a huge season in Columbus, scoring 56 points in 76 games. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Coyle's set himself up for one last payday in the NHL, as the 34-year-old center will be one of the most coveted free-agent centers in the market this offseason. Expect to see a few teams line up to give Coyle a multi-year extension around $6 million per, which will likely price himself out of Columbus.

Mason Marchment

Speaking of pending free agents, Marchment's been traded a couple of times over the last year, and is finishing up his 2025-26 season with the Blue Jackets. Marchment's going to be one of the highest paid free-agent wingers this offseason, and he's not very likely to be sticking around with the Blue Jackets. Marchment's posted 27 points in 33 games in Columbus, and had just 13 points in 29 games with the Kraken, as it became obvious he wasn't a fit on Seattle, Marchment will be looking to cash in this summer in a major way.

Brendan Smith

Smith's been injured most of this season and this could be it for the 37-year-old blueliner. He's appeared in just 15 games, recording two assists, and after 741 career NHL games, is likely heading for retirement this summer. Regardless if he hangs up the skates or not, don't expect to see the Blue Jackets circle back on the veteran defenceman.