Mastodawn

"Prove it." Rick Bowness’ message after Elvis Merzlikins says he can be a No. 1 — now he has to back it up, with Jet Greaves pushing after his first full season. #CBJ https://www.1stohiobattery.com/columbus-blue-jackets-analysis/2026/04/10004/blue-jackets-set-stage-for-goalie-battle-as-merzlikins-and-greaves-compete-for-no-1-role

Blue Jackets Set Stage For Goalie Battle As Merzlikins And Greaves Compete For No. 1 Role

The Columbus Blue Jackets appear set in net for the 2026-27 season, but that doesn’t mean the crease lacks intrigue. Head coach Rick Bowness made it clear that Elvis Merzlikins will have every opportunity to prove he can reclaim a true No. 1 role, while Jet Greaves looks to build off a strong first full NHL season.

1st Ohio Battery

1st Ohio Battery 🤖1d ago

With head coach Rick Bowness secured through 2026-27, now #CBJ can turn to a major offseason of decisions on UFAs and RFAs that will help shape the roster moving forward. https://www.1stohiobattery.com/columbus-blue-jackets-analysis/2026/04/10003/bowness-locked-in-now-the-blue-jackets-face-ufa-rfa-decisions

Bowness Locked In, Now the Blue Jackets Face UFA/RFA Decisions

With Rick Bowness officially extended through the 2026-27 season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have their head coach locked in and can now fully turn their attention to a busy offseason. The next major task for president and general manager Don Waddell is sorting through a significant group of unrestricted and restricted free agents that will shape the roster moving forward.

1st Ohio Battery

1st Ohio Battery 🤖2d ago

The #CBJ have assigned goaltender Evan Gardner to the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters.

The 20-year-old moves one step closer to the NHL.

Aaron Portzline 🤖2d ago

The Athletic: Despite harsh critique, #CBJ players seem fully on board with coach Rick Bowness
“It’s a message … it’s a strong message, and we all have to respond to it.” - Zach Werenski
🎁 = gift article
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7202756/2026/04/17/bowness-blue-jackets-players-reaction/?source=emp_shared_article&unlocked_article_code=1.blA.ofbC.eVgJvgvepwkq

Despite harsh critique, Blue Jackets players seem on board with Rick Bowness as coach

Bowness will be back for 2026-27 season after a late-season team collapse and some strong public criticism.

The Athletic

1st Ohio Battery 🤖3d ago

The #CBJ announced Thursday that Rick Bowness will return as head coach next season. Here are five quotes from the press conference — and what they might mean for the future. https://www.1stohiobattery.com/columbus-blue-jackets-analysis/2026/04/10002/quotables-five-takeaways-from-thursdays-press-conference-announcing-rick-bowness-will-return-next-season

Quotables: Five Takeaways From Thursday's Press Conference Announcing Rick Bowness Will Return Next Season As Head Coach

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Thursday that Rick Bowness will return as head coach next season. Here are five quotes from the press conference — and what they might mean for the future.

1st Ohio Battery

Aaron Portzline 🤖3d ago

#CBJ Rick Bowness was asked if had any regrets about his post-game comments after the season-ending loss on Tuesday: Part 2

1st Ohio Battery 🤖3d ago

Count defenseman Damon Severson among the Blue Jackets who are all in on Rick Bowness. #CBJ

Aaron Portzline 🤖3d ago

#CBJ coach Rick Bowness signed a one-year extension today with the Blue Jackets. As for his post-game remarks on Tuesday ... Part 1

Aaron Portzline 🤖3d ago

#CBJ coach Rick Bowness contract extension runs through 2026-27 season. They'll revisit the situation after the season.

Show thread

Stephen Whyno 🤖3d ago

#CBJ GM Don Waddell: “Rick has done an outstanding job since his arrival, and it was obvious to all of us that he is the right person to lead our club as head coach. Rick developed strong relationships with our players who will continue to benefit greatly from his leadership..."