Countdown to Opening Night
As the countdown to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ opening night at Nationwide Arena stands at 11 days, fans are reminiscing about the legacy associated with jersey number 11 throughout the team’s history. The honor of wearing this number has been embraced by several players since the franchise’s inception.
Notable Players Who Wore Jersey #11
Kevin Dineen is a noteworthy figure for this jersey, playing from 2001 to 2003. Acquired by the franchise shortly after its founding, Dineen participated in 129 games during his tenure with the Jackets and notched 29 points. His career in the NHL, spanning over 1,188 games, saw him score 355 goals and accrue a total of 760 points, not to mention a significant amount of penalty minutes. After hanging up his skates in 2002, Dineen transitioned to the front office, serving first as a Pro Scout and then an assistant general manager. He later had coaching stints with teams like the Portland Pirates and Florida Panthers, collecting experience in the AHL and NHL before parting ways with the San Diego Gulls in November 2024.
Another notable player who donned jersey #11 is Craig MacDonald, who joined the Blue Jackets in 2009 after being selected by Hartford in the 1996 draft. His time with Columbus was brief, playing only eight games and contributing two points. After leaving the NHL, he continued his career in Germany before retiring in 2013.
Chris Clark, drafted from Calgary in 1994, had a more extended run with Columbus from 2010 to 2011, participating in 89 games and gathering 20 points. Following his playing days, he took on various roles within the Blue Jackets organization, eventually rising to Director of Player Personnel and General Manager of the Cleveland Monsters, alongside his recent appointment as General Manager of Team USA for the World Championships in 2023.
From 2011 to 2018, Matt Calvert became a favorite among fans for his fearless playing style. Drafted by Columbus in 2008, Calvert played 416 games and scored 149 points before retiring due to medical issues in 2021. Post-retirement, he successfully moved into a management role, co-founding CAL Sports Management.
Most recently, Kevin Stenlund wore jersey #11 from 2019 to 2022. After being drafted by Columbus in 2015, he played 71 games and earned 20 points before exploring opportunities abroad and winning a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers.
Another engaging name is Adam Fantilli, the rookie drafted by Columbus in 2023. His first season with the team was marred by injury, cutting his campaign short. However, he was impressive when healthy, scoring 31 goals and providing 23 assists last season. Expectations are high for him as he develops under the mentorship of veterans like Boone Jenner.
Last but not least is Luke Kunin, who had a short stint in 2025, appearing in just 12 games without registering a point. He has since moved on to the Florida Panthers on a one-year free-agent deal.
Looking Ahead
With preseason activities underway, fans can mark their calendars for the first game against the Washington Capitals on October 4 at 7 PM ET, ahead of officially kicking off the season against the Nashville Predators.
As the anticipation builds, stay tuned for all the latest updates covering your Columbus Blue Jackets—an organization steeped in history and ambition.
