The Columbus Blue Jackets retained their star player, Charlie Coyle, to play for another six seasons, for a lucrative contract worth $36 million. This deal keeps the veteran in Ohio through the 2031-32 season following a standout debut campaign.

Coyle started his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2025-26 season. He was traded from the Colorado Avalanche in June 2025 after scoring only 2 goals in the 19 games he played.

“I've seen what we have,” Coyle said, having spent a year with the Blue Jackets, witnessing the potential firsthand.

“I've seen our potential, and I'm excited for it, and it's something I want to be here for and work towards, and the team we have."

The Blue Jackets' general manager, Don Waddell, noted that Coyle would be important for the team in the coming seasons. This came after Coyle had a strong season, playing 82 games and scoring 20 goals and notching 38 assists.

Waddell also explained that Coyle actually showed interest in staying with the team after his first season in Columbus and that he had no hesitation about signing Coyle despite his age.

"But then having Charlie all this year, getting to know him not only as a player, but as a person, we knew that he cares about the team, cares about winning, and cares about the community…”

“…so when we met at the end of the season and talked to all the players,  Charlie was very clear that if there's that opportunity and we can work it out, he'd like to stay,” Waddell added.

With Coyle under contract long-term, focus shifts to his future role in the team's rebuild

Blue Jackets’ Plan for the Coming Seasons

The Columbus Blue Jackets showed an improvement during this 2025-2026 NHL season. They finished with a 40-30-12 record and narrowly lost the postseason spot in the Eastern Conference, ending with just a few points behind.

After a difficult start to the season, the Blue Jackets managed to turn things around. They made a strong second half under head coach Rick Bowness. The team produced several impressive stretches, including multiple wins against the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers, that pushed them back into playoff contention.

Although they didn't make the playoffs, this is still not a step back for the team. Their efforts to rebuild led to the decision to retain their star player. The team is clear on maintaining its momentum while developing the younger talent.

Do you think keeping Charlie Coyle will allow the Blue Jackets to make a playoff run next season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Surjo Ray