The Columbus Blue Jackets weren’t expected to make much noise this season. Few outside the organization believed they had what it would take to be competitive, let alone fight for a playoff spot. But this team proved the doubters wrong. They exceeded expectations, competing every night, finishing the 2024-25 season with a solid 42-35-5 record. While they fell just short of the playoffs, they showed tremendous growth, giving the fifth line plenty to be proud of.
Related: Blue Jackets Accomplished Something Much Bigger Than Hockey in 2024-25
What truly set this group apart was their attitude. The Blue Jackets never quit, even when the odds were stacked against them. They capped off their season with a six-game winning streak and went 7-3-0 in their final 10 games, refusing to let the disappointment of being eliminated stop them from finishing strong in their final game vs the New York Islanders at home.
Now, as we turn our focus to the forward group that helped drive this franchise record 273-goal campaign, it’s time to evaluate the individual performances that defined their season.
Kirill Marchenko: A+
Kirill Marchenko had his best season in the NHL this past season, putting up great numbers in his third NHL season with 31 goals and 43 assists for a total of 74 points in 79 games. That’s 32 more points than he had two seasons ago when he tallied just 42 in 2023-24. He’s been a versatile forward, consistently playing on the top line while occasionally dropping to the second line and adapting to a wide variety of linemates throughout his career so far.
Marchenko’s ability to contribute in all situations—evident in his 1.27 goals per 60 minutes and 3.02 points per 60—makes him a key piece for his team. His 15% shooting accuracy and big-time late-game performances, including game-winning and overtime goals, only further prove to increase his future value. A true future star deserving of the highest praise, Marchenko earns an A+ this season.
Kent Johnson: A-
Kent Johnson proved he’s a key piece of the team’s future with 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in 68 games. His creativity with the puck and ability to make plays in high-pressure situations were game changers for his team. Johnson’s even-strength production of 2.42 points per 60 minutes stands out, and his shooting percentage of 19.5% shows just how efficient he was with his opportunities, firing a total of 123 shots on the season. Scoring…
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