Mark Scheig
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#CBJ writer | Credentials Manager @thehockeywriter | @thePHWA | @RMU
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Articles by Mark Scheig
Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski’s Goal Drought is Variance, Not a Struggling Start
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back home after their first multi-city road trip of the season. While it started well for them in the win column, they didn’t get the ending they were hoping for. After defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in overtime, the Blue Jackets suffered a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and a 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Stars’ game in particular was frustrating for them as they controlled the last 40 minutes of play but only came up with one goal to show for it.
Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski’s Goal Drought is Variance, Not a Struggling Start
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back home after their first multi-city road trip of the season. While it started well for them in the win column, they didn’t get the ending they were hoping for. After defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in overtime, the Blue Jackets suffered a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and a 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Stars’ game in particular was frustrating for them as they controlled the last 40 minutes of play but only came up with one goal to show for it.
Could These Teams Hire Bruce Cassidy? Exploring the Realistic Options
It has been a wild season in the NHL to say the least. We’re just into November and many things remain unresolved. Dylan Larkin remains with the Detroit Red Wings although he is suspended until there is a trade made. Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned. There’s still no indication how that situation will ultimately unfold. Then there is the situation with Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild. Until he signs on the dotted line, his future remains up in the air.
Blue Jackets News & Rumors: Young Core Delivers, Voronkov & More
The Columbus Blue Jackets fell behind in the first period thanks in part to not playing their game. They were a little better in the second period but were still behind the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. The Blue Jackets gave up a goal 16 seconds into the third period. But instead of folding, the team turned up the heat and found their game. Despite falling a goal short in their comeback bid, the Blue Jackets showed what they are capable of when they’re playing their style of hockey.
Blue Jackets News & Rumors: Young Core Delivers, Voronkov & More
The Columbus Blue Jackets fell behind in the first period thanks in part to not playing their game. They were a little better in the second period but were still behind the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. The Blue Jackets gave up a goal 16 seconds into the third period. But instead of folding, the team turned up the heat and found their game. Despite falling a goal short in their comeback bid, the Blue Jackets showed what they are capable of when they’re playing their style of hockey.
Blue Jackets’ Youth Producing After 10 Games While Waiting for Depth Scoring to Arrive
The Columbus Blue Jackets were in control of things after 20 minutes of play Tuesday night. They scored more goals (3) than the Philadelphia Flyers had shots (2) in the first period. With a 3-0 lead in hand and the crowd booing the Flyers off the ice, things appeared to be heading for an easy win. But as has been tradition for the Blue Jackets of late, nothing is ever easy.
Blue Jackets’ Youth Producing After 10 Games While Waiting for Depth Scoring to Arrive
The Columbus Blue Jackets were in control of things after 20 minutes of play Tuesday night. They scored more goals (3) than the Philadelphia Flyers had shots (2) in the first period. With a 3-0 lead in hand and the crowd booing the Flyers off the ice, things appeared to be heading for an easy win. But as has been tradition for the Blue Jackets of late, nothing is ever easy.
Wanna Get Away? Blue Jackets Excited for Road Trip After Lengthy Home Stretch Original
You know a schedule is strange when a head coach who’s been in the NHL for decades says he’s never seen anything like this before. With the exception of two one-off trips, the Columbus Blue Jackets have spent the majority of October at home. Normally, that’s a good thing. It gives the team opportunity to take care of business at home while settling into their season.
Blue Jackets Trying Different Looks and a Simplified Approach to Fix Last-Place Power Play Original
The Columbus Blue Jackets power play came out like a house of fire on opening night. They scored two power-play goals on route to a 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Things appeared to be looking up. Since then however, nothing. The Blue Jackets are currently 0 for their last 20 on the man advantage. They were unable to convert in six opportunities Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. For the season, the Blue Jackets are 2 for 23 on the power play.
'I’m Out of Patience With It': Rick Bowness Warns Blue Jackets on Ice Time
1 hour ago Welcome to Screencaps, "America's Best Daily Column," as named by the readers. Screencaps, which publishes seven-days-a-week, is a mix of sports, pop culture, and emails from sane readers from around the world. This column isn't for the coastal elites. Give us a week to steal your heart. Our track …
“I’m Out of Patience With It”: Rick Bowness Warns Blue Jackets on Ice Time Original
The Columbus Blue Jackets appeared to have all the ingredients Tuesday night to win a big game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They wanted to win for Matthew Knies. They wanted to deal a loss to Kirill Marchenko. Instead, the Blue Jackets fell flat. Before they realized what hit them, the Maple Leafs scored five unanswered goals and easily secured a 6-2 win. Too many easy goals were scored against the Blue Jackets. The Maple Leafs’ best players had little difficulty finding space to operate.
Blue Jackets Must Question Everything On Ice to End Slump
“It’s just stuff we need to figure out right now. Stuff we should have figured out weeks ago.” Those were the words of an upset Charlie Coyle on Tuesday night after the Columbus Blue Jackets suffered another embarrassing loss in front of their home fans. When the final buzzer went off after their 6-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, chants of “Go Leafs Go” were echoing all over Nationwide Arena.
Blue Jackets’ Knies Ready to Turn Page as He Faces Maple Leafs For First Time Original
It was a date that Matthew Knies and others had circled on the calendar. October 20, 2026. It’s the one and only trip to Columbus for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. Knies will face the Maple Leafs while Kirill Marchenko will come back to Nationwide Arena to face the Blue Jackets for the first time since the massive trade. Emotions should run high for a game like this especially given that both teams need wins.
Blue Jackets Can’t Be Properly Judged Until Ivan Provorov Returns Original
Coming off a tough 2-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets return home for another week of practice and games as they continue trying to find their identity. They play host to Kirill Marchenko and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night and the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. Looking back at their first seven games, a stretch that has seen the Blue Jackets go 3-4-0, one thing is obvious. They are not playing with their full lineup and it shows.
3 Takeaways From Blue Jackets’ 1-0 Overtime Win Over Rangers
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the New York Rangers 1-0 in overtime on Saturday night. Kent Johnson scored the game winner while Jet Greaves stopped all 29 shots he faced to earn his first shutout of the season. Here are our three takeaways from the game. Confident Kent He’s back. Johnson continues to show that he’s back to his old self early in the season. It’s not just the goal. It’s in all situations. Johnson’s regained strength is evident. He’s not being pushed off pucks as much.
3 Takeaways From Blue Jackets’ 1-0 Overtime Win Over Rangers
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the New York Rangers 1-0 in overtime on Saturday night. Kent Johnson scored the game winner while Jet Greaves stopped all 29 shots he faced to earn his first shutout of the season. Here are our three takeaways from the game. He’s back. Johnson continues to show that he’s back to his old self early in the season. It’s not just the goal. It’s in all situations. Johnson’s regained strength is evident. He’s not being pushed off pucks as much.
Are NHL Coaching Rants Actually Effective? Rick Bowness & the Blue Jackets Put the Theory to the Test
It was simply a matter of time before Brady Tkachuk was going to go off. Mired in a scoring slump to start the new season, the newest member of the Florida Panthers came out in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Frozen Frenzy night and put the entire NHL on notice. The Tkachuk brothers in Florida have arrived. Brady scored a natural hat trick with brother Matthew securing the primary assist on all of them.
Blue Jackets Gameday Notes: Coyle, Del Bel Belluz, Rangers & More
The Columbus Blue Jackets finally have a much-needed gameday. They host the New York Rangers on Saturday night. Coming off a brutal 7-3 loss to the Florida Panthers, the Blue Jackets had to sit on that loss for three days. Head coach Rick Bowness spent Friday revealing why he was so mad. He was mad at himself for all of the goals against in the first five games. The team simply needs to get into the flow of the season.
Blue Jackets Gameday Notes: Coyle, Del Bel Belluz, Rangers & More
The Columbus Blue Jackets finally have a much-needed gameday. They host the New York Rangers on Saturday night. Coming off a brutal 7-3 loss to the Florida Panthers, the Blue Jackets had to sit on that loss for three days. Head coach Rick Bowness spent Friday revealing why he was so mad. He was mad at himself for all of the goals against in the first five games. The team simply needs to get into the flow of the season.
Rick Bowness: 'I’m Mad at Myself' as Blue Jackets Rank 30th in Goals Against
The Columbus Blue Jackets returned to practice on Friday in the midst of another early-season lull in their schedule. They last played on Tuesday, a 7-3 home loss to the Florida Panthers. During practice, head coach Rick Bowness was seen stopping a drill to address his team. The coach’s message? “You can’t be slow.” The high-paced practice finished up after about 45 minutes.
Rick Bowness: “I’m Mad at Myself” as Blue Jackets Rank 30th in Goals Against
The Columbus Blue Jackets returned to practice on Friday in the midst of another early-season lull in their schedule. They last played on Tuesday, a 7-3 home loss to the Florida Panthers. During practice, head coach Rick Bowness was seen stopping a drill to address his team. The coach’s message? “You can’t be slow.” The high-paced practice finished up after about 45 minutes.
Blue Jackets Self-Inflicted Loss to Panthers Exposes Major Discipline Issues Original
If games only consisted of the first period, the Columbus Blue Jackets would be one of the best teams in the NHL in the early going. Because as soon as that second period starts, they haven’t had answers of late. On Tuesday night against the Florida Panthers, the Blue Jackets got exposed thanks to costly mistakes and ongoing discipline issues. The Tkachuk brothers made them pay in a big way with Brady getting a hat trick and Matthew assisting on all of those goals. Panthers 7, Blue Jackets 3.
Blue Jackets News & Rumors: Del Bel Belluz, Early Goaltending & More
The Columbus Blue Jackets are off to a 2-2-0 start to the 2026-27 season. They’ve had some bright spots. They’ve had some low moments. Overall, it’s equated to a .500 record after four games. As head coach Rick Bowness said postgame Saturday night after the Blue Jackets 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues, they can’t have a good game, bad game, good game, bad game cycle. That is something the team will need to rectify as soon as possible.
Blue Jackets News & Rumors: Del Bel Belluz, Early Goaltending & More
The Columbus Blue Jackets are off to a 2-2-0 start to the 2026-27 season. They’ve had some bright spots. They’ve had some low moments. Overall, it’s equated to a .500 record after four games. As head coach Rick Bowness said postgame Saturday night after the Blue Jackets 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues, they can’t have a good game, bad game, good game, bad game cycle. That is something the team will need to rectify as soon as possible.
Blue Jackets Show Best & Worst in 5-3 Loss to Blues: Can’t Keep Flipping Original
It was a tale of two completely different games in the first 40 minutes between the Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues. The first period belonged to the Blue Jackets. The second period belonged to the Blues. In the end, it was enough for the Blues to win the game. It also showed how the Blue Jackets inconsistency remains a big problem for them. It took the Blues just over six minutes in the second period to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead.
Blue Jackets’ Road Notes: Faceoff Fantilli, Shootout Johnson & More Original
Welcome to St. Louis. The Columbus Blue Jackets are finally set to play both their first road game and their first back-to-back of the new season. They are coming off a 3-2 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins that saw them dominate most of the game. Charlie Coyle and his line had a game to remember. Not only did they have the assignment of playing against Sidney Crosby’s line, they were by far the Blue Jackets’ best line in all phases.
Don’t Believe the NHL Standings Yet...Late November is When the Season Gets Real
They say you are what you’re record says you are. See why that is only partially true and what factors make the American Thanksgiving argument a real one. Former New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells once had the money quote when it came to teams thinking they’re better than their win-loss record. “You are what your record says you are.” That quote has not only gone viral since, it’s used by most everyone in the sports world. It’s used for good reason. That’s because it is mostly true.
Blue Jackets Trends: Knies Rolls While Werenski, Mateychuk Log Heavy Minutes Original
We are debuting a new column for this season. Welcome to Blue Jackets Trends. It has always been our goal to take you, the fan, beyond the box score as much as possible. Why is something working or not? What do the players think about different things? Our hope for this column is to do just that, take you beyond the box score to explain the why and what it could mean in the future. The Blue Jackets have a strange schedule to start their season.
Blue Jackets React to Matthew Knies’ Historic Debut
1 hour ago Michael O'Neill had spent the build-up to Northern Ireland's Nations League outing against Ukraine playing down memories of their famous win at Euro 2016. His focus was firmly on what was to come rather than reflect on the past. If a stunning 3-0 victory on Friday night was anything to go by, it's …
Blue Jackets React to Matthew Knies’ Historic Debut Original
If it seemed like Matthew Knies had a little bit of a chip on his shoulder on Thursday night, his performance against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night certainly showed that. Just days after the Blue Jackets acquired the power forward from the Toronto Maple Leafs, it didn’t take him very long to make his point. Knies recorded his first two points, a power-play goal and then an assist, in less than a one minute span late in the first period.
Blue Jackets Open Season Without 3 Top Defensemen Original
The Columbus Blue Jackets got some tough news in advance of their 2026-27 season opener. They will be without three of their top defensemen not only Thursday night, but for the foreseeable future. After their optional morning skate, head coach Rick Bowness shared updates on Ivan Provorov, Damon Severson and Dante Fabbro. It’s Provorov’s situation that was particularly tough for the team to hear. Provorov blocked a shot during the Blue Jackets’ last preseason game in Detroit.
Blue Jackets Open 2026-27 Season With a Locked Up Core After a Chaotic Offseason Original
The Columbus Blue Jackets made themselves a permanent residence in the rumor mill during the 2026 offseason. Just about every other headline involved them and not for the right reasons. Zach Werenski’s name was out there before he ultimately vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars. The Kirill Marchenko saga overshadowed Oscar Hemming’s moment at the NHL Draft. If that wasn’t enough, Adam Fantilli’s situation hung over the Blue Jackets like a dark cloud the longer he went unsigned.
Blue Jackets Enter a Whole New Goaltending World: Greaves on Top, Talbot Ready to Help Original
The Columbus Blue Jackets will enter the 2026-27 season with an important change on their roster. A mainstay in their goaltending room has moved on. With Elvis Merzlikins included in the Matthew Knies/Kirill Marchenko trade, the Blue Jackets’ goaltending room consists of Jet Greaves and Cam Talbot. This change might not get the attention that some other stories have gotten. But it’s an important enough storyline that could determine how the team does this season.
Blue Jackets News & Rumors: Knies, Marchenko, Opening Roster & More
It finally happened. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs connected on a blockbuster trade on the eve of the start of the regular season. It will be talked about for years to come. Kirill Marchenko is a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and expected to make his debut on Tuesday night. Matthew Knies is a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets and expected to arrive in Columbus on Tuesday afternoon.
Blue Jackets News & Rumors: Knies, Marchenko, Opening Roster & More
It finally happened. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs connected on a blockbuster trade on the eve of the start of the regular season. It will be talked about for years to come. Kirill Marchenko is a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and expected to make his debut on Tuesday night. Matthew Knies is a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets and expected to arrive in Columbus on Tuesday afternoon.
Blue Jackets Trade Kirill Marchenko to Maple Leafs for Matthew Knies in Six-Player Deal Original
The Columbus Blue Jackets were only ever going to trade Kirill Marchenko if they got talent back. They found what they were looking for given the circumstances. On Monday, the Blue Jackets dealt Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with Miles Wood and Elvis Merzlikins for Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz, Emil Andrae and a 2027 conditional second-round pick.
Blue Jackets Place Miles Wood on Waivers Ahead of Roster Deadline
It’s important to note that Williams does not need waivers for the AHL. However, both Heinen and Del Bel Belluz do need waivers. Unless the waivers-exempt player plays significantly better than his counterparts, the usual and easiest outcome is to send Williams down. We’ll see how that transpires. Why Wood Was Waived Wood’s contract and salary is what sticks out. He has this season plus two more seasons with a $2.5 million cap hit. Of the players on the bubble, he’s their most expensive option.
3 Takeaways From Blue Jackets 4-0 Preseason Shutout of Penguins
The evening after signing Adam Fantilli to a new six-year contract, the Columbus Blue Jackets wrapped up their home portion of the preseason schedule with a 4-0 shutout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Goaltender Cam Talbot pitched a 15-save shutout in what turned out to be a low-event game. The Blue Jackets’ veterans led the way in the scoring department with goals from Zach Werenski, Valeri Nichushkin, Danton Heinen and Kirill Marchenko.
Adam Fantilli Signs 6-Year, $82.5 Million Deal with Blue Jackets After Missing Start of Camp
The Columbus Blue Jackets have needed good news in the worst kind of way. On Thursday afternoon, they were able to provide some to their fans. The Blue Jackets and Adam Fantilli agreed to a 6-year, $82.5 million contract that sees the talented forward tied to Columbus until the 2031-32 season. The $13.75 million AAV is by far the largest AAV the team has signed anyone to in franchise history. The deal comes after Fantilli missed the first week of training camp.
Adam Fantilli Signs 6-Year, $82.5 Million Deal with Blue Jackets After Missing Start of Camp
The Columbus Blue Jackets have needed good news in the worst kind of way. On Thursday afternoon, they were able to provide some to their fans. The Blue Jackets and Adam Fantilli agreed to a 6-year, $82.5 million contract that sees the talented forward tied to Columbus until the 2031-32 season. The $13.75 million AAV is by far the largest AAV the team has signed anyone to in franchise history. The deal comes after Fantilli missed the first week of training camp.
Blue Jackets’ Kent Johnson on Bowness’ Honesty, Coming In Lighter & Feeling 100% Again Original
Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach Rick Bowness caught the full attention of the hockey world at the end of last season when he went on a tirade about his players not caring about losing enough. While that has been since addressed with the team, there were some other interesting things the coach said that stood out. Both Bowness and GM Don Waddell said at exit interviews that forward Kent Johnson lost weight going into last season.
3 Takeaways From Blue Jackets Shootout Win Versus Red Wings
The Columbus Blue Jackets opened their preseason with a 1-0 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. Conor Garland scored the only goal of the shootout. Here are our three takeaways from the game. Greaves Impressed Goaltender Jet Greaves made his season debut and was the Blue Jackets’ best player especially in the first period. His team was outshot 11-3 in the first 20 minutes. He looked cool and clam in stopping all 11 shots.
3 Takeaways From Blue Jackets Shootout Win Versus Red Wings
The Columbus Blue Jackets opened their preseason with a 1-0 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. Conor Garland scored the only goal of the shootout. Here are our three takeaways from the game. Goaltender Jet Greaves made his season debut and was the Blue Jackets’ best player especially in the first period. His team was outshot 11-3 in the first 20 minutes. He looked cool and clam in stopping all 11 shots.
Steve Mears on the Blue Jackets’ TV-Radio Simulcast: “I’ve Seen Both Sides of It” Original
If there is anyone who can relate to what Bob McElligott went through when the Columbus Blue Jackets elected to not renew his contract, it’s current play-by-play voice Steve Mears. He went through a similar situation in 2009. Mears, then with the New York Islanders, lost his radio job. But now 17 years later, he’s on the other side of things. “It hit home. It really hit home,” Mears said. “That was my dream job and my big break. I was 29 years old. To lose that job was just devastating.
When the NHL Must Pull a Player for Concussion Evaluation
The NHL’s concussion protocol has been released for the 2026-27 season. Be prepared for different circumstances in which it will come into play. While there is an element of judgment still involved with the medical staff, there are certain situations that when they come up, the protocol mandates that a player is immediately removed from the game for an evaluation.
Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko Non-Committal About Future in Columbus
Kirill Marchenko was at the center of the hockey news cycle at the 2026 NHL Draft when a report from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes came out indicating the forward was not willing to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets. On Friday at Training Camp, Marchenko spoke to the media for the first time since that report. While Marchenko didn’t really say a lot, it was what was not said that stood out. Key Takeaways Marchenko tried his best to deflect questions about his future.
Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko Non-Committal About Future in Columbus
Kirill Marchenko was at the center of the hockey news cycle at the 2026 NHL Draft when a report from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes came out indicating the forward was not willing to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets. On Friday at Training Camp, Marchenko spoke to the media for the first time since that report. While Marchenko didn’t really say a lot, it was what was not said that stood out. Marchenko tried his best to deflect questions about his future.
Carson Soucy’s Blue Jackets Roster Push Gets Harder With Shortened NHL Preseason
Carson Soucy is coming off a down season for his standards. After playing for both New York teams in 2025-26, he chose a PTO with the Blue Jackets hoping to bounce back. In past seasons, PTO’s would get a handful of games to make their impression. With the new CBA rules in effect, that is no longer the case. PTO’s Face Tougher Road NHL veterans now are only allowed to dress in two preseason games maximum. Teams have only four preseason games total.
Carson Soucy’s Blue Jackets Roster Push Gets Harder With Shortened NHL Preseason
Carson Soucy is coming off a down season for his standards. After playing for both New York teams in 2025-26, he chose a PTO with the Blue Jackets hoping to bounce back. In past seasons, PTO’s would get a handful of games to make their impression. With the new CBA rules in effect, that is no longer the case. NHL veterans now are only allowed to dress in two preseason games maximum. Teams have only four preseason games total.
Blue Jackets Coach, Teammates Not Worried About Unsigned Adam Fantilli as Camp Opens
Everyone knew it was coming. As soon as 2026 Columbus Blue Jackets Media Day opened, the main topic of discussion with GM Don Waddell was going to be Adam Fantilli. While there were some updates shared including a new offer being presented within 24 hours of the press conference, it was what some others said that really stood out. Ultimately, the contract itself may not be finished yet. But Fantilli has the full confidence of his general manager, his head coach and the reigning Norris Trophy winner.
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