Most intriguing addition
Forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood were acquired in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche on June 27. Both are expected to be in the bottom six, but Coyle is expected to slot in as the third-line center, an important role on any team, especially one that needs to improve defensively. The 33-year-old right-handed shot had 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 83 games last season split between the Boston Bruins and Avalanche. He has been defensively reliable in his career and can win face-offs. Coyle should be a fit behind Sean Monahan and Adam Fantilli, Columbus’ top two centers.
Biggest potential surprise
The No. 1 goalie job is up for grabs, and for the first time in a long time it’s possible Elvis Merzlikins could be pushed out of the role. Jet Greaves had a strong finish to last season, winning his last five starts with four goals-against and two shutouts, and it opened the door for him to challenge Merzlikins for the starting job. That will be determined in training camp, but it wouldn’t be overly surprising considering Merzlikins’ recent struggles; his .896 save percentage in 183 games since 2021-22 is last among the 18 goalies who have played at least 180 games in that span and his 3.41 goals-against average is 17th of 18. Greaves, 24, went undrafted and has 82 wins, a 2.87 GAA and .909 save percentage in 158 games the past four seasons with Cleveland of the American Hockey League.
Ready to contribute
Luca Del Bel Belluz, a 21-year-old forward, is a longshot to make the roster out of camp, but he could be one of the first recalls from Cleveland if he isn’t in the lineup on opening night. Del Bel Belluz, a second-round pick (No. 44) in the 2022 NHL Draft, had eight points (two goals, six assists) in 15 games for Columbus last season and 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 61 AHL games. The Blue Jackets are bringing back 15 of their top 18 scorers from last season, including 10 forwards and five defensemen. They added Coyle, Wood and forward Isac Lundestrom up front, which will make it hard for Del Bel Belluz or anyone else to crack the lineup right out of camp unless there are injuries.