Blue Jackets keep eight NHL defensemen on opening roster, clear spot to add Zach Aston-Reese by sending James Malatesta to AHL Cleveland.

The hockey world suffered an unspeakable tragedy over the summer with the death of NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Both Johnny and

The Columbus Blue Jackets will likely be without their captain on a long-term basis to start the 2024-25 season.

Voronkov, at a towering 6-foot-5, delighted the Blue Jackets by committing to an offseason workout regiment that dropped his weight from 240 pounds to 225. He looked quicker in training camp and wasn’t so visibly tired after long practices. He had been alternating between the second and third lines.