NHL EDGE stats 2026-27 season outlook for Columbus Blue Jackets

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, we will identify key NHL EDGE stats for each team to preview the 2026-27 season. Today, we look at three advanced metrics trends surrounding the Columbus Blue Jackets.

1. Werenski’s dominant skating, shot metrics 

Zach Werenski won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman last season backed by elite advanced metrics; he led his position in midrange shots on goal (91) and was tied for the defenseman lead in midrange goals (13). Werenski, who led NHL defensemen in shots on goal last season (260; tied for 12th in entire League), ranked among the leaders at his position in high-danger shots on goal (17; ninth among defensemen), long-range shots on goal (93; 97th percentile) and long-range goals (four; 90th percentile). Werenski’s shot speed helped him finish tied with Jakob Chychrun (Washington Capitals) for first among defensemen in even-strength goals (career-high 18); he ranked highly among defensemen in 70-80 mph shot attempts (192; third) and 80-90 mph attempts (108; second).

Werenski also excelled in several skating metrics, including 20-plus mph speed bursts (123; 97th percentile among defensemen), 22-plus mph bursts (five; 94th percentile) and max skating speed (23.06 mph; 94th percentile). The 29-year-old was a workhorse last season, ranking in the top 10 among defensemen in total skating distance (289.11 miles; eighth) and even-strength skating distance (245.90; eighth). Werenski skated 4.96 miles on April 7 against the Detroit Red Wings, the third-most in a single game last season, and his role continues to make him one of the most valuable players to his team across the NHL.

2. Greaves’ saves by location

Jet Greaves took over as the No. 1 goalie in Columbus last season and had among the heaviest workloads in the NHL (55 games played; tied for ninth). The 25-year-old quietly led the League in long-range saves (367) and also finished in the top 10 in high-danger saves (357; ninth) and midrange saves (383; 10th); he was one of six NHL goalies to finish in the top 10 of all three saves by location categories (others: Juuse Saros, Jeremy Swayman, Logan Thompson, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Karel Vejmelka).

The undrafted goalie ranked 10th in 5-on-5 save percentage (.919) and was fifth in quality starts (34; starts with greater than .900 save percentage) last season. Greaves should remain the clear starter for the Blue Jackets and, along with Werenski, gives them a strong foundation on the back end and some hope to emerge as a dark horse contender in the Metropolitan Division.

3. Elite advanced stats for Marchenko, Fantilli

Forwards Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli lead Columbus’ young core, and each boasts strong underlying metrics across the board. Marchenko was tied for fourth in the entire NHL in midrange goals (18) and tied for 10th in midrange shots on goal (102) last season. The 26-year-old also ranked highly among forwards in long-range shots on goal (19; 89th percentile), average shot speed (58.90 mph; 88th percentile), 70-80 mph shot attempts (131; tied for fifth) and 80-90 mph attempts (39; 94th percentile).

Marchenko ranked 10th in the entire NHL in 20-plus mph speed bursts (301) and was also a standout at his position in 22-plus mph bursts (28; 98th percentile), max skating speed (23.36 mph; 93rd percentile) and even-strength skating distance (209.86 miles; 97th percentile).

Fantilli ranked in the 94th percentile among forwards in midrange goals (11) and midrange shots on goal (80). He was among the leaders at his position in high-danger shots on goal (63; 87th percentile), long-range shots on goal (15; 82nd percentile), average shot speed (57.82 mph; 84th percentile), 70-80 mph shot attempts (117; 98th percentile) and 80-90 mph attempts (33; 92nd percentile).

The 21-year-old also had elite advanced skating metrics among forwards last season, ranking in the 93rd percentile or higher in 20-plus mph speed bursts (196), 22-plus mph bursts (15), max skating speed (23.39 mph) and even-strength skating distance (222.80 miles). Entering Columbus’ first full season under veteran coach Rick Bowness, Marchenko and Fantilli have high offensive ceilings if they remain on the same line, potentially with key offseason acquisition Valeri Nichushkin (acquired from Colorado Avalanche).