Countdown to the New Season
As the countdown to the opening night at Nationwide Arena begins, with just 19 days left until puck drop, we take a moment to reflect on the storied heritage of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ jersey number 19. The players who have donned this number span a range of careers, from undrafted newcomers to notable draft picks.
Notable Players Who Wore Number 19
Mathieu Darche, an undrafted talent from Saint-Laurent, Quebec, was among the first to sport number 19, making his mark in the Blue Jackets’ early years from 2001-2002. Over 24 games, he contributed two points before moving on to retire with the Montreal Canadiens in 2012. Today, Darche serves as the Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning, a role he’s held since 2019.
Sean Pronger, the brother of NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, was drafted in 1991 by Vancouver but later played for the Blue Jackets in the 2003 season, amassing 17 points in 104 games. After leaving Columbus, he took his career overseas, playing for one season in Germany.
In 2004, Brian Holzinger took on the challenge of number 19 after being drafted by the Sabres in 1991. He experienced a brief stint with the Jackets, scoring one point in 13 games before retiring in 2004. Holzinger’s achievements include winning the Hobey Baker Award in 1995 while at Bowling Green State University, where he notably scored 66 points in just 38 games.
Joe Motzko, another undrafted player from Bemidji, Minnesota, competed for the Jackets from 2004-2006. He managed to secure one point over 11 games, subsequently moving on to play for the Capitals and Thrashers before concluding his career in Europe, where he played in multiple countries until 2014.
Alexandre Picard was a significant addition to the Blue Jackets in the 2006-2007 season, following his 8th overall draft in 2004. Picard played 67 games with Columbus and after his departure, he continued his career in Europe. He eventually returned to North America in 2019 to participate in the semi-professional Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey in Quebec.
From 2007 to 2009, Michael Peca showcased his skills, participating in 136 games and notching 56 points during his tenure. A notable incident was his five-game suspension for an altercation with an official during the 2008-09 season. Peca has since transitioned into coaching and is now an assistant coach for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Ethan Moreau joined the Blue Jackets in 2011. Drafted by Chicago in 1994, he played 37 games and scored six points before retiring in 2012 after stints with the LA Kings.
Ryan Johansen, drafted in 2010 specifically to be a cornerstone player for Columbus, became known for his offensive skills, racking up 193 points in 309 games from 2012-2016. However, his journey took a turn when he was traded to the Nashville Predators, where he faced challenges replicating his previous success. Recently, Johansen has made headlines for his ongoing contract dispute with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Most recently, Liam Foudy represented jersey number 19 from 2020-2024. Drafted in 2018, he participated in 90 games, accumulating 19 points. After being placed on waivers, he has signed with the Nashville Predators for the upcoming season and is set to play in the AHL.
Adam Fantilli, the newest player to wear number 19, was drafted in 2023. After facing a setback due to a severe skate injury, Fantilli has shown promise by achieving 54 points during his debut season. With guidance from veterans on the team, he is poised to develop into a key player for the franchise.
Looking Ahead
With only 19 days to go before the new season begins at NWA, enthusiasm is building for what this jersey, and its wearers, will bring to the ice. Stay informed on all things Blue Jackets by tapping the star to favorite us on Google News.
