One month in, the Blue Jackets are simply not good enough

Curtis Deem of Union and Blue argues that the Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled significantly through the first month of the season. Columbus finished October with a 5-7-0 record, totaling 10 points and sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with only one regulation victory. Early-season blue line injuries contributed to the slow start, but Deem emphasizes that deeper metric issues across the roster remain the primary concern.

Offensively, the Blue Jackets rank 29th in the NHL by averaging just 2.33 goals per game despite strong individual showings from Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli. Deem criticizes the team's stagnant veteran and middle-six production, poor defensive possession metrics, and struggling special teams units under head coach Rick Bowness, assigning Columbus a grade of D- for their opening month.