Games To Circle On The Blue Jackets' 2023-24 Schedule

By Coby Maeir on August 23, 2023 at 1:45 pm
Columbus Blue Jackets players celebrate after the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena.
Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports
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The puck drops on the Blue Jackets 2023-24 regular season in just 50 days on October 12 as the club hosts the Philadelphia Flyers to begin an 82-game slate.

So, which matchups should you be circling on your calendar?

November 19 @ Philadelphia Flyers

This matchup marks Ivan Provorov's return to Philadelphia for the first time since they traded him to the Blue Jackets this summer. Known for its hostile crowds, don't be shocked if Philadelphia declines to give Provorov a warm welcome. 

November 22 vs. Chicago Blackhawks

This will be Connor Bedard's first appearance at Nationwide Arena in a matchup that will likely feature two of the top three picks in the 2023 NHL Draft with the Blue Jackets' Adam Fantilli. It will also be the first NHL matchup between childhood friends Bedard and Kent Johnson. The teams play in Chicago on March 2, as well. 

November 24 @ New Jersey Devils

It's another "homecoming" game as Damon Severson, whom the Blue Jackets acquired via sign-and-trade this summer, will return to New Jersey. Severson was around for a lot of losing in Jersey that culminated with a fantastic season in 2022-23 so it'll be interesting to see how he's received. This game also will be a good measuring stick for the Jackets to see how they fair against one of the Metropolitan Division's elite teams.

December 5 vs. Los Angeles Kings

After 268 games over the regular season and playoffs in a Blue Jackets sweater, Vladislav Gavrikov will return to Columbus for the first time since he was traded to LA ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. Gavrikov had a solid career in Columbus and was a part of some memorable teams including the 2019 squad that upset the Tampa Bay Lightning, so his reception should be a positive one. 

December 14 @ Toronto Maple Leafs

In what is perhaps the most-anticipated "return game" of the season, Mike Babcock will be coaching a game in Toronto for the first time since the Maple Leafs fired him in 2019. Babcock made the playoffs three times in his five years with the Leafs but never won a round. 

March 7 vs. Edmonton Oilers

This fixture provided one of the most exciting games of the Blue Jackets 2022-23 season, as they took a 4-0 lead only to squander it before beating Edmonton 6-5. Connor McDavid, the league's best player and reigning MVP, scored a pair of highlight-reel goals. Anytime the Jackets play the Oilers, it's must-watch hockey. The teams will play in Edmonton on February 23. 

March 14 vs. Ottawa Senators

In the final notable "return game" of the season, Joonas Korpisalo will return to Columbus after 219 games across the regular season and playoffs in a Blue Jackets sweater. Korpisalo still holds the record for saves in a playoff game with 85 against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game one of the 2020 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. 

This Blue Jackets season has plenty of intriguing storylines, but these games will be ones to circle on the schedule.

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