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The Columbus Blue Jackets have 30 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #30. 

Let's take a look at today's edition, which is all about goalies. 

Marc Denis - 2001-2006 - Drafted by Colorado in 1995. 

On June 7, 2000, Denis was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Over the course of five years, he played in 266 games, going 84-146-25.  On June 30, 2006, Denis was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Fredrik Modin and Fredrik Norrena. He set the then-NHL record for most minutes in a season with 4,511, playing 77 regular-season games for Columbus in 2002-03. 

After the 2008-09 season, Denis retired after playing for the Montréal Canadiens and the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. He is currently working as a color analyst for the Canadiens on RDS. 

Fredrik Norrena - 2007-2009 - Drafted by Tampa Bay in 2002. 

On June 30, 2006, Norrena was traded to the CBJ for Marc Denis. He would play in a total of 100 games, starting 35 of them. He finished his time in Columbus with a record of 35-45-11. 

In 2008, the Jackets put him on waivers and reported to Syracuse. On December 20, he signed a deal in the KHL and left North America for good. After playing for years in Sweden and Finland, he would retire. After retiring, he would go into coaching, where he would coach in Finland from 2014 to 2023. He is now an asst. coach for Kölner Haie in the DEL. 

Dan LaCosta - 2009 - Drafted by Columbus in 2004. 

LaCosta played a total of four NHL games for Columbus. After Columbus, he played two years for the Univ. of New Brunswick and then a year for the Cardiff Devils in the EIHL. He was also a goaltending coach for Cardiff. 

LaCosta played in four games from 2007 to 2009. He spent the majority of his time playing for the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. He also played for the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL. 

He retired in 2014 after playing a single season in England for the Cardiff Devils. He was also the goaltending coach for Cardiff.

Curtis Sanford - 2012 - Undrafted out of Owen Sound, Ontario.   

Sanford signed a one-year contract with Columbus for the 11-12 season. He appeared in 36 games, going 10-18-4. 

After his one year in Columbus, he left for Russia, playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl for three seasons. He would retire on March 7, 2015. He spent the last years as the goaltending coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Mike McKenna - 2014 - Drafted by Nashville in 2002. 

On July 5, 2013, McKenna signed with Columbus, appearing in four games. He spent the bulk of the year playing for the Springfield Falcons of the AHL. 

He would go on to play for the Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, and Philadelphia Flyers. On August 27, 2019, McKenna retired. He also spent two years as a studio analyst for the Vegas Golden Knights, and three years as a Volunteer Goaltending Coach at St. Lawrence Univ.

Curtis McElhinney - 2015-2017 - Drafted by Calgary in 2002.

McElhinney could have been listed as the player who wore #31 the best. He started 66 games for the Jackets and came in to relieve the starters another 19 times. His career record with Columbus was 26-33-8. He went on to win a pair of Stanley Cups for the Tampa Bay Lightning, backing up starter Andrei Vasilevskiy. He retired on September 25, 2021.

He was the Toronto Maple Leafs Dir. of Goaltending from 2023 to 2025. 

Jean-François Bérubé - 2022 - Drafted by the LA Kings in 2009. 

On June 27, 2018, Bérubé was traded by the Blackhawks to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Jordan Schroeder. He would play in 6 games for Columbus and go 3-2. 

He would leave Columbus after that season and play two more AHL seasons. He is not officially retired. 

Spencer Martin - 2024 - Drafted by Colorado in 2013. 

On September 29, 2023, the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Martin off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. He would play in 13 games and go 3-8-1. 

On January 19, 2024, he was put on waivers by Columbus and claimed by the Carolina Hurricanes. He left for the KHL's CSKA Moskva for the 25-26 season. 

With 30 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, the anticipation for the season is in full swing. Take a look at the schedule of events below.

Blue Jackets Participate in 2025 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo

The Blue Jackets will take part in the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo from Thursday, Sept. 11, to Sunday, Sept. 14. They’ll play three games and have one day off.

The schedule looks like this:

Friday, Sept. 12 - No Game Scheduled

Saturday, Sept. 13 - 7 p.m. at Buffalo Sabres

Sunday, Sept. 14 - 3:30 p.m. at Pittsburgh Penguins

This will be the second year Columbus has participated in the Prospects Challenge. Before that, they played in the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City. As for the roster, it won’t be released until closer to the tournament.

Let us know what you think below.

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More from THN Columbus

On This Date In 2023: The Mike Babcock Allegations SurfaceOn this date in 2023, a little over two months after the Columbus Blue Jackets hired Mike Babcock, some bombshell allegations were brought to light by the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that completely derailed the beginning of the CBJ's upcoming season.  Blue Jackets' Don Waddell Shares Latest On Yegor Chinakhov In a recent article for The Athletic, Aaron Portzline had the chance to interview Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell. In the interview, he asked about the status of Yegor Chinakhov after the reported trade request from earlier this off-season. 31 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #31The Columbus Blue Jackets have 31 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #31. 

EAST MEADOW, NY -- During Day Two of New York Islanders Rookie Camp, it was hard not to notice No. 17 overall pick Kashawn Aitcheson.  His cross-overs were sharp. His shot was on the money. And you could see his excitement once the physical drills were introduced. 

Top Four Standouts From First Two Days Of Islanders Rookie CampEAST MEADOW, NY -- The first two days of New York Islanders rookie camp haven't been anything crazy. The goal of coach Rocky Thompson, who will be entering his first season as the bench boss in Bridgeport, isn't looking at the team with his coaching lens just yet. 

Aitcheson is one of those playesr whose big open-ice hits played a monumental part in why the Islanders called his name back on June 27.

Trent Klatt, #Isles Director of Amateur Scouting on Kashawn Aitcheson:

"I have never seen anyone in my 17 years of scouting who can have open ice hits like that."

Catch Ep. 1 of "On The Island" tonight at 7 PM on Isles Youtube channel @TheHockeyNewshttps://t.co/f1JLqlu3sb

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 10, 2025

"I think it was kind of always just natural," Aitcheson said about his hitting skills. "I was always a kid who took a lot of penalties when there wasn't much of hitting. And then, yeah, hitting came around, and it just worked out. It was natural."

While the physical game of hockey is extremely important at the NHL level, there are times when young players end up chasing hits, which can get them in trouble. Look no further than Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, who has learned when the right time is to pinch and lay a hit and when it's smarter to stay in position.

However, Aitcheson is more than just a hitter, which is likely why he doesn’t get caught trying to do too much with his frame. He scored 26 goals last season for Barrie, along with 33 assists for 59 points in 64 games — as a defenseman, mind you.

He is not just a one-trick pony.

"I want to be involved in the game in other ways. I don't just think about hitting 24/7," Aitcheson said. "I think it's just picking your spots and wanting to contribute in all aspects of the game."

Aitcheson in action. #Islespic.twitter.com/N4VFSixzYS

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 11, 2025

Aitcheson had a choice as to where he'd go to further his development, electing to return to Barrie for his fourth OHL season rather than take the collegiate route.

"I just thought it was the best decision for me in my development," Aitcheson said.

OHL camp got underway before Aitcheson came back to Long Island. Unfortunately, during an OHL preseason game, he was ejected for what the OHL deemed an "illegal check to the head." The league suspended him for three preseason games — games he was going to miss anyway while at camp with the Islanders.

On paper, that's not a great look. However, here’s the reason why Aitcheson did what he did.

"I love to be a leader on the ice," Aitcheson said. "It was an unfortunate play but, when you see an older guy going after a rookie, you have to protect your teammates."

That's who Aitcheson is.

When we saw Aitcheson back during development camp, which took place immediately after the 2025 NHL Draft, he was giddy, as were all the newcomers. How could you not be, taking part in your first NHL development camp surrounded by an excited fan base?

The one "knock" on Aitcheson's game is his skating, but it looks to even be improved since we saw him a few months ago.

"I worked a lot on skating, defensive work, skills and offense," Aticheson said. "Kinda just all over the map."

While the drills so far at rookie camp aren’t drastically different from those at development camp, there is one big difference Aitcheson has noticed.

"I think just kind of the pace," Aitcheson told The Hockey News. "Everyone is intense. The competition level is so high. It's only going to raise the more you go through it. But, yeah, I think just right now, the compete level, the intensity, and how sharp everything is are the biggest differences.

"You come here, you go to development camp, it's hard," Aitcheson said. "Then you come here for rookie camp, it's harder, and each day is going to get harder. And then, obviously, hopefully, main camp. Every step you take, I think it's going to get harder. The speed is gonna get faster. It's gonna be stronger hockey, bigger men. So, yeah, I think it's just trying to grow with that and take each step at a time."

With the Islanders holding development camp for the first time in years, it allowed the prospects to get to know one another. Many stayed in touch over the last few months.

"I'm pretty close with [Calum] Richie, [Luca] Romano, [Matthew] Schaefer," Aitcheson said. "A lot of them are just great guys. Everyone is super welcoming, so it's been great."

GDT Live - Ft. Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner)
🏒Matthew Schaefer first looks
🏒Can Ritchie make the Islanders?
🏒Is Maxim Shabanov legit?
🏒Which Islanders rookies make the NHL

WATCH:https://t.co/w0hPpaxGdB

Presented by: @DraftKings
Code: THPN pic.twitter.com/88Tx8ETG5r

— Gameday Tarps (@GamedayTarps) September 12, 2025

Having played for Barrie, Aitcheson often battled Schaefer, who suited up for the OHL's Erie Otters.

"We had our fair share of battles at the rink. But when I first met him at the U-18 tournament for Team Canada, it was great," Aitcheson said. "We hit it off. He's a great kid, super hard working. We bring the best out of each other. And he deserves everything he's got and more."

During rookie camp, a handful of coaches are on the ice offering advice to the young players. But sometimes, it’s important to have a player to go to, and for many of the rookies, that guy has been Matthew Maggio.

The 21-year-old forward is taking part in his third rookie camp since being drafted in the fourth round back in 2022. He's been the de facto captain so far, and Aitcheson has been very appreciative of Maggio's leadership.

"He's always offering advice and is always talking to us young guys," Aitcheson said. "If we have any questions about anything, he's always there to help. He's been great for everyone."

“[Schaefer] had a little bit more rank to get No. 48 back from me."

In a funny and honest interview, #Isles Matthew Maggio opens up about his leadership role at Rookie Camp, what he thought about Shabanov, changing his number & more @TheElmontershttps://t.co/clhICWXKGs

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 12, 2025

This week will be one that Aitcheson will never forget. He’ll be learning a lot about how the organization operates and what he needs to do to take his game to the next level.

It’s clear that he’s soaking it all in, and it’s also clear that the organization is excited about his future outlook. It’s too early to tell where he’ll fit in an NHL lineup, but there’s tremendous value in a two-way defenseman who can impact the game outside of what will appear on a scoresheet.

If Aitcheson does make the NHL one day, one thing is certain: he will be a fan favorite.

Canadian defenseman Brad Hunt, 37, has signed a one-year contract with Vaasan Sport, the Finnish Liiga club announced on Friday.

After playing his entire career to this point in North America, including parts of 10 NHL seasons, this is Hunt’s first contract to play in Europe.

“Brining Brad to Vaasa is fanstastic,” said club sports diractor Ari-Pekka Pajuluoma, who was told that Hunt is “an experienced and seasoned team player” by Joel Kiviranta, a former Sport forward who was Hunt’s teammate in the Colorado Avalanche organization.

“He has been a very popular person in every team he has played for, but we expect, above all, good play on the ice from Brad,” Pajuluoma continued. “His strengths lie in the game with the puck, and in addition, he has an incredible shot from the point, so we also expect him to have a role on the power play.”

Born in the Vancouver suburb of Maple Ridge, B.C., Hunt played four years of college hockey at Bemidji State University. Never drafted by an NHL team, he signed with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves in the spring of 2012.

Hentrik Zetterberg Returns Home to Timrå in the SHLDetroit Red Wings legend Henrik Zetterberg is back in hockey. The 2008 Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy winner has taken on an advisory role with his former club Timrå IK in Sweden’s SHL.

Between 2013 and 2023, Hunt played 288 NHL regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Colorado, recording 86 points and 52 penalty minutes. He also played five playoff games for Minnesota and Colorado, incurring one minor penalty.

He spent the entire 2024-25 season in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, recording 20 points in 43 regular-season and playoff games.

To be able to afford Hunt’s contract, the Vaasan Sport club had to raise over 90,000 euros (approx $105,000 US) from a combination of sponsors and donations from fans.

Mattias Norlinder returns to Sweden; donations raised to pay contractSwedish defenseman Mattias Norlinder, 24, has signed a two-year contract with MoDo Hockey, the SHL club announced on Wednesday. Norlinder previously played with the club from 2016 to 2020 at the U16 and U18 levels and also played 55 games in the second-tier professional HockeyAllsvenskan, where he recorded 34 points.

“Without the community's campaign, this player signing would not have been possible for us,” Pajuluoma explained. “This shows what is possible with a community pulling in the same direction, and this was good proof of how special our community in Vaasa is.”

The Liiga season has already started and Vaasan Sport has played two games, beating Kärpät Oulu 3-0 on the road and then losing its home opener 3-2 to TPS Turku on Friday. Since being promoted to the top-tier Liiga in 2014, the team has never finished better than 10th place. Last season, despite an 11th-place regular-season finish, Sport won a play-in series and advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time.

The club made big news in the off-season when it signed 20-year-old Topi Rönni, a former Calgary Flames second-round draft pick who was convicted of rape in 2024, to a two-year contract. After a strong negative response from the Finnish media and public, the contract was terminated two weeks later. Rönni signed soon thereafter with Hungarian ICEHL club Ferencvárosi TC. 

Topi Rönni’s Contract With Finnish Club Terminated Due To Public UproarFinnish center Topi Rönni, who recently signed as a free agent with Liiga club Vaasan Sport, has agreed to part ways with the club after the signing drew intense criticism from the Finnish public and media.

Artur Akhtyamov is excited for another year in Toronto despite being far from home.

The 23-year-old is entering his second season on North American soil, after spending all year with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2024-25. He had originally been picked by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, but spent a couple of years bouncing between the KHL and VHL (the Russian equivalent of the AHL).

Akhtyamov had a strong start to his debut season with the Marlies before his play began to dip a bit. 

“It was my first season here and maybe sometimes I miss my home, my wife, my parents and friends,” Akhtyamov said before heading to Montreal with the rest of Toronto’s rookies for the Prospect Showdown.. “Maybe this happened because I miss (home).”

Despite the mid-season speed bump, the Kazan, Russia-born goaltender finished with 11 wins and a .901 save percentage through 26 games, all while sharing the net with Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby.

“I’m enjoying being here now, my second year,” he said.

It’s never easy for players from Europe to come over to North America and be instantly thrown into the lifestyle. It’s even more difficult when your teammates all speak English and you’re still learning the language.

“A really big city, and I’m still learning,” Akhtyamov smiled. “My wife has come here now. I showed her the city and we just enjoy it. Every day we walk.”

Easton Cowan Renting Former Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten's Place For First Season In TorontoEaston Cowan is happy to be in one spot for the upcoming season.

In his first season, though, Akhtyamov often pushed himself to speak English, even doing interviews during the early months of last year. He’s more confident now with the language and the type of game that’s played in North America.

“I think Artie, especially, competes extremely hard,” Marlies head coach John Gruden said. “Like, he goes into every practice and he doesn’t want a puck to cross the goal line, and that’s just a great way to go about your business. Never ever complain about his work ethic.”

There’s a lot of hope that this season will be different. He’ll be more used to the lifestyle and game, plus he’ll have his wife, Anna, with him for the entire year, versus just a month last season.

“Yeah, this really helps for me because I’m not alone here… I can’t cook. She helps me,” Akhtyamov laughed.

Ex-Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten To Participate In Bruins Rookie Tournament Despite Ending Last Season In NHLDespite having 25 games of NHL experience over two seasons, Fraser Minten was announced as part of the Boston Bruinsrookie tournament roster this week. Speaking to reporters at Warrior Ice Arena, Minten was asked how it came to be that he would take part in the tournament. It turns out Minten didn’t volunteer. He’s just following Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s orders.

The goaltender also won’t always have to share the net with three goalies. It should be him and Hildeby, who just signed a new three-year deal, commanding the Marlies’ crease for the upcoming season.

“They’re really good goalies,” he added of Murray and Hildeby, “and I watch when they play, I take a couple moments, like position game.”

It’s not just a big season because it’s his second year in North America, though. Akhtyamov is in the same position that Hildeby was in one year ago: entering the final year of his entry-level contract before hitting restricted free agency.

'Our Leadership Group Is More Than That': Maple Leafs Likely Not Adding Alternate Captains After Mitch Marner's DepartureThe Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be making any official player leadership changes after the departure of Mitch Marner.

Akhtyamov might not get any NHL games this season — unless thrown into the position because of injuries — but it’s a massive year for his future. And the netminder hopes that, like Hildeby, he’ll be signing an extension with Toronto next summer.

“I congratulated him. It’s really good. He’s a really good partner. I’m happy he’s staying here and we work together again,” Akhtyamov said of Hildeby.

“I need to work, and we’ll see. My work is to stop the puck. I hope so. I hope I will sign a new contract with the Maple Leafs.”

Latest stories:

'My Dad Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World': Tyler Hopkins Excited To Play First Game With Maple Leafs At Prospect Showdown

Projected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend Matchups

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While GM Kent Hughes pulled some moves to help the Montreal Canadiens’ power play over the summer, he did no such thing for the penalty kill. Furthermore, by letting Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak walk away, he lost a pair of players who played a significant role when down a man. A pair of rookies has noticed the void and hopes to fill it.

Oliver Kapanen played in 18 games with the Canadiens last season and spent the rest of the season playing with Timra IK in the Swedish league. There, he played a significant role for his team and was called upon in all kinds of situations; at even strength, on the power play, and on the penalty kill as well. He entered the rookie camp with one clear objective: making the Canadiens.

I practiced hard all summer, only for one goal: to make the team and play in Montreal.

- Kapanen has one goal.

Canadiens: Rookies Getting Ready For Their Big Day
Canadiens: Demidov Impresses Media and Teammates Alike
Canadiens: What The Rookies Had To Say On Day One

The 22-year-old is focusing on camp and wants to impress while not giving the Habs’ brass any reason to send him down. Asked how he sees himself at his peak in the NHL, he replies that he wants to be a trustworthy player who can be put on the ice in all situations, it is his strength and what he’s been doing during his whole professional career.

As for Armia and Dvorak’s departure, he said:

Yeah, sure, a couple of guys left, and there might be some spots opening. I know what I need to do on the ice, and I want to focus on those to take the place. He added that it’s a significant role to play on the PK and that when he saw that, he thought I could do that.

Kapanen is no stranger to playing when a teammate is in the box; not only did he do it last season in the Swedish league, but he also did it in the SM-Liiga in Finland and during his junior days. As he said it himself, of course, it’s a different league and it involves other players, but it entails the same responsibilities.

He won’t be the only one hoping to step in to fill the void; Owen Beck will have the same goal. The 33rd pick overall at the 2022 draft is aware that the Canadiens have a crowded roster and that if he wants to make it, right now, he has to aim to be a reliable, trustworthy bottom-six player.

Laval Rocket coach Pascal Vincent was impressed by his play when he used him as a winger during the AHL playoffs, and Beck says he’s happy to have that in his toolbox now, since he had never played on the wing before:

My first call-up was actually the first time I played on the wing, which was a bit nerve-racking, but I guess there’s no better place to learn than at the highest level. As that continued later in the year, I felt comfortable with it. You know, if that’s where I can be utilized, I’m looking forward to that opportunity.

- Beck on the possibility to move to the wing

Vincent advised him to rely on his strengths, and for Beck, that means utilizing his skating skills across the ice, in transitions, and on the defensive side of the puck. This is an area where he can excel and should prioritize it. In hindsight, the youngster admits that he might have put too much pressure on himself in his second camp after having dominated in his first one. Like many players, when he first came in, he had no expectations, but when he turned up in year two, he willingly admits that he might have set his sights a bit high.

Beck also acknowledges that seeing a couple of PK spots opening this summer excited him; he has experience playing on the penalty kill, and he could be of service in that regard. That could very well be the case, since winning puck possession on the penalty kill is crucial. That skill may well help him to crack the Canadiens’ roster as well. Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook haven’t exactly shone in that department, and if they can’t win draws, they may just be better suited to playing on the wing.

The battle at center should be a fun one to watch this year during the main camp, especially if Hughes draws a blank on the trade market and Martin St-Louis has to look internally to fill his lineup down the middle. The fact that these two youngsters can play when down a man could be a difference maker and help open their path to the NHL.

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According to a report, former Flyers goalie Carter Hart is nearing a return to the NHL, but that return isn't expected to be in Philadelphia.

On Friday, The Athletic NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that Hart, 27, is expected to agree to terms with a new NHL team on Oct. 1 before the contract is registered on Oct. 15 - the first day he's allowed to sign.

"Per league sources, Hart is expected to reach terms on a contract by Oct. 1, though the contract can’t officially be registered with the NHL until Oct. 15. His top priorities are finding a job with a clear chance to get a meaningful number of starts and playing for a team that can win," Johnston reported. "Hart is looking for a fresh start, which effectively rules out a return to Philadelphia."

So, the Flyers reunion that some fans were hoping for is all but dashed.

As Johnston noted, the Flyers don't offer Hart a fresh start, and they also can't provide him a meaningful number of starts on a team that can win.

NHL Suspends Ex-Flyers Goalie Carter Hart Until DecemberAccording to a report, former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart and the four other players involved in the Hockey Canada trial will be suspended until Dec. 1.

Even before Hart took his leave of absence, the Flyers were an average team enjoying a hot streak, and now that they have Sam Ersson, Dan Vladar, Aleksei Kolosov, and Ivan Fedotov all under contract with NHL experience, there are just too many cooks in the kitchen for this to make sense.

"Once Hart chooses his next NHL destination, he’s expected to sign a two- or three-year contract, per league sources. The two-year term would open up the possibility of an extension as soon as the summer of 2026 if the player and team feel it’s a good match," added Johnston.

"In the meantime, Hart’s focus is on getting his game back up to an NHL level. The terms of the league’s reinstatement allow him a month to practice and get acclimated with his new team — from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15 — before he becomes eligible for an American Hockey League conditioning assignment."

The Flyers' former second-round pick has not played a competitive game of any kind since his last NHL appearance, which was a 7-4 blowout loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 20. Hart allowed five goals on 15 shots before being relieved by Ersson.

Flyers Decline to Comment on Potential Carter Hart ReunionIn spite of recent reports, the Philadelphia Flyers are not prepared to comment on any potential reunion with or interest in former goalie Carter Hart.

It should also be noted that a team in the United States is preferable for Hart, according to Johnson, and that the Oilers, as widely speculated, are not going to be a fit.

All this information narrows a potential Hart landing spot down quite a bit, and the next two weeks will tell the full story.