Columbus Blue Jackets

Last season: 40-33-9, missed playoffs.

COACH: Dean Evason (second season with Columbus; 187-110-36 career).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 at Nashville.

DEPARTURES: G Daniil Tarasov, LW James van Riemsdyk, D Jack Johnson, C Sean Kuraly, F Justin Danforth, C Luke Kunin, RW Kevin Labanc,

ADDITIONS: C Charlie Coyle, LW Miles Wood, C Isac Lundestrom, D Brendan Smith, RW Hudson Fasching, G Ivan Fedotov.

GOALIES: Elvis Merzlikins (26-21-5, 3.18 goals-against average, .892 save percentage), Jet Greaves (7-2-2, 1.91 goals-against average, .938 save percentage).

BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 100-1.

What to expect

Columbus was the inspirational story of last season, coming within two points of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after the death of star forward Johnny Ga

See Full Page