By Connor Moriarty
After their first ever FNHL Cup in 2031, the Jackets came into training camp in a celebratory but focused mindset. Taking the summer to refresh, the core group returns with the ultimate goal of being the first team since 20/21 Montreal Canadiens to repeat as FNHL Cup Champs.
The team comes in with the majority of the core players returning, with one notable player who was moved out right before the draft. Jaccob Slavin, who played 2 seasons with the Jackets was moved out for a package of futures, including the 9th OV pick which was used to select LW Trevor Connelly. Slavin became a casualty of the cap for Columbus, with only one year remaining on his contract the hopes of resigning him after the season were fading quickly. "He deserves whatever contract he is going to sign next, especially after the playoff performance he put in to help us win the Cup"
Looking ahead to 2032, Columbus didn't make any major additions but did lock up both Alex Newhook and Conn Smythe winner Cutter Gauthier to 4 and 5 year extensions - keep the young core together. Matthew Tkachuk and Lias Andersson also re-upped on shorter term contracts. Despite the success of the cup, a few notable players had down years in 2031 but are expecting a bounce back year in 2032.
Nico Hischier
2031 - 24 G, 38 A, 62 P
2032 Predictions - 28 G, 49 A, 77 P
Matthew Tkachuk
2031 - 32 G, 33 A, 65 P
2032 Predictions - 34 G, 37 A, 71 P
Alex Newhook
2031 - 19 G, 28 A, 47 P
2032 Predictions - 29 G, 34 A, 63 P
Fabian Lysell
2031 - 19 G, 33 A, 52 P
2032 Predictions - 27 G, 40 A, 67 P
Cutter Gauthier
2031 - 28 G, 30 A, 58 P
2032 Predictions - 35 G, 40 A, 75 P
Sonny Milano
2031 - 27 G, 45 A, 72 P
2032 Predictions - 22 G, 39 A, 61 P
Rasmus Dahlin
2031 - 8 G, 23 A, 31 P
2032 Predictions - 12 G, 33 A, 45 P
Braden Schneider
2031 - 4 G, 28 A, 32 P
2032 Predictions - 7 G, 32 A, 39 P
Travis Sanheim
2031 - 12 G, 34 A, 46 P
2032 Predictions - 10 G, 36 A, 46 P
In Free Agency, GM Moriarty looked at adding depth to round out the bottom 6 forwards and bottom 3 defence. Scott Laughton, Rickard Rakell, Mats Zuccarello, Oliver Wahlstrom, Kirill Kaprizov, Alec Martinez, Gabriel Carlsson and Noah Hanifin were all brought in on one year deals.
Kevin Poulin and Drew Commesso are expected to split time in the crease as Commesso takes his first step at being the future starter of the Jackets.
With multiple changes this offseason Columbus still stacks up against the best in the East and should make another strong run in the playoffs.
Season prediction: 47-29-5 for 99 points - just missing out on the division but sitting within the top 4 of the conference.
Playoff Prediction: Back to back cup champs? TBD
7/18/2025 - 502 words
