There are no NHL games scheduled for the Columbus Blue Jackets during this period, as the league is on pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina until Feb. 25. Instead of team games, the “Week Ahead” centers entirely on the franchise’s representatives on the world stage and the surprising position the team finds itself in during the break.
The “Bowness Bump” & The Playoff Push
The biggest story in Columbus is the dramatic turnaround under interim head coach Rick Bowness. Entering the Olympic break, the Blue Jackets are one of the hottest teams in the NHL.
They closed out the pre-Olympic schedule on a 7-game winning streak (and an 11-1-0 run), culminating in a shutout win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 4. This surge has vaulted them back into the playoff conversation in the Metropolitan Division, a scenario that seemed unlikely just a month ago. The break comes at a fascinating time—halting their momentum but also giving them a chance to rest before the final sprint.
The Trade Deadline Dilemma: Buy or Sell?
The team’s unexpected success has complicated the front office’s approach to the upcoming trade deadline (post-Olympics). Previously viewed as likely “sellers” looking to offload pending free agents, the team’s recent performance suggests they may now stand pat or even “buy” to reward the locker room for their playoff push.
Veteran centers Charlie Coyle and Boone Jenner were previously the subject of intense trade rumors. However, with the team winning, trading key roster pieces like Coyle and Jenner becomes a much harder decision for management.
Zach Werenski’s Historic Season
Defenseman Zach Werenski enters the Olympic break playing the best hockey of his career. Before the break, he became the first defenseman in the NHL this season to reach 20 goals.
Olympic Showdown: Teammate vs. Teammate
The highlight of the week occurs on Thursday, Feb. 12, when Team USA faces Team Latvia. This game will feature Blue Jackets teammates facing off: Zach Werenski (USA) will likely be shooting on his own NHL goaltender, Elvis Merzļikins (Latvia).
Related – Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Blue Jackets Olympic Schedule This Week
| Date | Time (ET) | Event / Matchup | CBJ Player(s) to Watch |
| Thu, Feb 12 | 3:10 PM | USA vs. Latvia | Zach Werenski (USA) vs. Elvis Merzļikins (LAT) |
| Sat, Feb 14 | 6:10 AM | Germany vs. Latvia | Elvis Merzļikins (LAT) |
| 3:10 PM | USA vs. Denmark | Zach Werenski (USA) | |
| Sun, Feb 15 | 1:10 PM | Denmark vs. Latvia | Elvis Merzļikins (LAT) |
| 3:10 PM | USA vs. Germany | Zach Werenski (USA) |
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