7-3-0 record—including being unbeaten at home—in their first ten games, even defeating the eventual Stanley Cup champions Colorado Avalanche in back-to-back games. Despite an improved offense and scoring capabilities, however, an inexperienced defense core and issues with special teams and penalty kill caught up with the team as the season progressed, finishing among the top 10 teams with the highest goals against average. On April 16, 2022, they were officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Canadiens. They finished sixth in their division, with a 37-38-7 record and 81 points. In the 2022 NHL draft, the Blue Jackets acquired Czech defenceman David Jiricek of HC Škoda Plzeň (6th overall) and Canadian defenceman Denton Mateychuk of the Moose Jaw Warriors (12th overall) in the first round. During the 2022 free agency, the Blue Jackets shocked the hockey world by signing Calgary Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau to a seven-year contract, following the signing of his teammate, defenceman Erik Gudbranson, to a four-year contract on July 13, 2022. The Gaudreau signing stunned fans and hockey media alike as the franchise had gained a reputation of being unable to sign or retain star players—something GM Kekalainen had wanted to disprove. Gaudreau, who had reportedly received more attractive offers from the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders, decided to play for less compensation for Columbus, explaining to the media that he believed in their "potential." Subsequently, in order to re-sign Laine to what would be a four-year contract following the Gaudreau and Gudbranson signings, the Blue Jackets traded right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Seattle Kraken for 2023 late-round picks. It was also reported over a month later that centre Alexandre Texier would not play for the team in the 2022–23 season due to personal reasons. Following the Bjorkstrand trade and Texier's hiatus, Jenner and Werenski had become the remaining active players still with the team who were part of their famous "sweep" of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Team information Team name The name "Blue Jackets" was chosen to celebrate "patriotism, pride, and the rich Civil War history in the state of Ohio and city of Columbus." When President Abraham Lincoln requested that Ohio raise ten regiments at the outbreak of the Civil War, the state responded by raising a total of 23 volunteer infantry regiments for three months of service. Ohio also produced a number of great