Columbus Blue Jackets: A Look Back at Jersey Number 25
As the Columbus Blue Jackets gear up for the upcoming season, with just 25 days remaining until their season opener at Nationwide Arena, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the legacy associated with jersey number 25. Here’s a look back at the players who have worn this number throughout the franchise’s history.
Players Who Wore Jersey Number 25
Bruce Gardiner made history as the first player to score a goal for the Blue Jackets in their inaugural season, netting that milestone at 7:34 into the game during the 2000 season. Drafted by St. Louis in 1991, Gardiner played just 73 games for Columbus and accumulated 22 points before moving on to a brief stint in Europe. After retiring from professional hockey in 2005, he transitioned to a different type of service as a police officer in Barrie, Ontario. In a controversial turn, he faced criminal harassment and extortion charges in 2022; however, these were dismissed by 2024.
Andrew Cassels made his mark between 2003 and 2004. Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1987, he signed on with the Blue Jackets in 2002. Over two seasons, Cassels played 137 games and scored 26 goals, contributing a total of 94 points before signing with the Washington Capitals in 2005, where he concluded his pro tenure. Post-retirement, he has remained active in the hockey community, coaching the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets since 2018. Notably, his son Cole, drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2013, is currently playing in Slovakia after a season with the Cleveland Monsters in 2021-2022.
Jason Chimera, another name associated with jersey #25, played for the Blue Jackets from 2006 to 2010 after being acquired via a trade from the Phoenix Coyotes. During his time in Columbus, he participated in 331 games before moving on to the Washington Capitals in a deal that also brought Chris Clark to the Blue Jackets. He continued his NHL career until the 2017-2018 season.
Kyle Wilson, who wore the number in 2011, was originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2004. His time with the Blue Jackets was brief; he appeared in 32 of his 39 NHL games that season before taking his career to Europe, where he played until 2017 across various leagues.
Ryan Russell, another notable player, wore the number during the 2012 season after being drafted by the New York Rangers in 2005. Following a trade to the Blue Jackets, he played 41 games, mostly spending time with the Springfield Falcons in the AHL before pursuing a career in scouting for the San Jose Sharks.
Luke Adam played briefly for Columbus in 2015 after coming over from the Buffalo Sabres but soon transitioned to a successful European career lasting until 2024, when he returned to North America as the captain of the Tahoe Knight Monsters in the ECHL.
William Karlsson, one of the more recognized names, donned jersey #25 during the 2016-2017 season after being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks. Misunderstood as a Blue Jackets draft pick, he proved his worth during his tenure with Columbus before being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft, where he has since enjoyed a notable career, including winning a Stanley Cup.
Mikhail Grigorenko represented the #25 for Columbus in 2021, having signed after a stint with the Buffalo Sabres. He achieved moderate success in his short time with the Blue Jackets before heading back to Russia, where he remains an active player in the KHL.
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season
As training camp approaches on September 18, the franchise looks forward to the pre-season, which is set to kick off shortly after. The team has several exciting matchups scheduled, such as games against the St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, leading up to the regular season opener against the Nashville Predators. This countdown marks not only a return to the ice for fans but also an homage to past players who left a mark wearing the Blue Jackets’ number 25.
