A packed slate ahead
The Columbus Blue Jackets have released their 2026‑27 NHL schedule, a 42‑game home slate that promises a busy start and a dramatic finish.
The season opens on October 1 at Nationwide Arena with a home game against the Buffalo Sabres, kicking off a stretch where seven of the first nine contests will be played in Columbus.
Early October will see the Jackets host Utah, the New York Rangers and Vegas on Saturdays, setting a tone of high‑profile matchups right out of the gate.
The schedule also marks several holiday milestones: a Thanksgiving game, a Christmas showcase and a New Year’s Eve appearance, while Black Friday brings a showdown with the Detroit Red Wings.
A rivalry weekend will pair the Jackets with the Red Wings on Friday and see Ohio State host Michigan on Saturday, adding a local sports crossover.
Twelve of the 42 home games fall on Saturdays, giving fans ample weekend opportunities, and the team will travel to Nashville on December 5 and to Las Vegas on February 18.
The road slate includes three West Coast trips in 2027, highlighted by a visit to Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers on December 27 and a meeting with Nathan MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche on November 3.
Star power and historic opponents
The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes will visit Columbus twice, underscoring the competitive nature of the schedule. With star players such as Alex Ovechkin, Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson on the roster, the Jackets are poised to make a deep playoff push.