The Columbus Blue Jackets have found their footing and vaulted themselves back into the playoffs prior to the Winter Olympic break, with an 8-1-0 record under new head coach Rick Bowness. They can now add some talent at the trade deadline to strengthen a team that should be ready to compete in the postseason.
The Blue Jackets seemed to be missing another solid defenseman to round out their blue line. However, with Erik Gudbranson and Denton Mateychuk back from injury, the defensive core looks solid.
Related: Rick Nash talks about learning from Waddell & Prospect Update
Mateychuk has shown glimpses of greatness dating back to late last season. However, his play didn’t really fit into former head coach Dean Evason’s system. In recent games against the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis BluesHowever, Mateychuk looked like the 12th overall pick the Blue Jackets selected in the 2022 Entry Draft.
Mateychuk’s ability to move puck
Mateychuk was most recognizable for his puck-moving skills. He has an extremely high ceiling as an offensive player, and that part of his game only scratches the surface. Bowness likes to run up the ice with four men, which allows a player like Mateychuk to get involved in the play without worrying about overrunning the play and leaving the defensive zone vulnerable to the odd man.
His goal against the Blues on Saturday showcased his skills in the offensive zone, and he can dance around defenders at the blue line, creating shot lanes that often get the puck through the goaltender.
Outside of Zach Werenski, Mateychuk is the best blueliner on the Blue Jackets roster. He adds a Werenski-like impact to the second unit without forcing Werenski to play 30 minutes per game. Werenski is the best player on the ice when he is there, but the team needs him in the most critical moments. Mateychuk could eventually become that type of player, but right now he provides the extra offensive spark that the Blue Jackets should take advantage of.
Mateychuk’s aggressive neutral zone play
Bowness’ system has allowed Mateychuk to be aggressive from the neutral zone. Bowness wants his defenders to hinder the play and essentially cut it off before the opposition enters the attacking zone.
Mateychuk is perfectly suited to this style of play as he is still developing his defensive game deep in the defensive zone. His ability to anticipate and take plays without fear of getting burned and leaving his goaltender out to dry has raised his defensive floor.
If Denton Mateychuk had played in a bigger market, many insiders would have been talking about him this season. https://t.co/LlDfvumZ5v pic.twitter.com/kFDfVmQKdi
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) January 26, 2026
If the Blue Jackets want to maximize their talent, Mateychuk should be a serious building block for the future of the team’s blue line alongside Werenski.
Jackson Smith, who is currently enrolled at Penn State, is also a talented prospect who will be joining the ranks. Drafted 14th overall in 2025, he will likely be another big part of the defensive structure going forward. Smith, like Mateychuk, is a young left-handed defenseman with great offensive upside.
Mateychuk needs to continue to develop all facets of his game, but he is among the players who have benefited most from the way Bowness likes to lead his team. Having a real chess piece for Bowness, on a team with a lot of talent, could help them make a real run for the postseason.
#Mateychuk #appears #missing #piece #Bowness #blue #jackets #Hockey #Writers #Latest #news #analysis