2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season

The 2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season is the 12th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 25, 1997. The Blue Jackets finished the season as the last place team the first time in franchise history and marking the third straight year that they missed the playoffs. Despite having the statistically best chance to have the number one draft pick, after their last place finish, they lost the lottery to the Edmonton Oilers and received the second pick in the draft.
The Blue Jackets began the year with the worst start in franchise history and the worst start to an NHL season in 19 years. After an 11–25–5 start head coach Scott Arniel was fired replaced by assistant coach Todd Richards. The poor season prompted several personnel changes including the trade of Jeff Carter, who was acquired with much fanfare during the off-season. With the prospect of another rebuild looming the Blue Jackets' captain and best player, Rick Nash, requested to be traded, though he would remain with the team for the entire season.
The team was involved in a controversial loss to the Los Angeles Kings, when the Staples Center clock appeared to freeze at 1.8 seconds allowing the Kings time to score the tying goal, before winning in overtime. During the season Columbus managed only two winning streaks of three or more games. One of which came towards the end of the year helping the Blue Jackets finish with 65 points, the third worst point total in franchise history.
==Off-season==
thumb|left|170px|The acquisition of Jeff Carter was one of Columbus' big moves in the off-season 
In the off-season the Blue Jackets' approach to building their team changed, moving from a team of young players developing to one with established players. The first deal general manager Scott Howson made was the acquisition of star forward Jeff Carter. The deal sent one of Columbus' young developing players, Jakub Voracek, and the eighth overall pick in the 2011 draft to the Philadelphia Flyers for Carter. The trade received a positive response in Columbus from fans and management who felt they finally had a number one center to play alongside of their best player, Rick Nash. Next they traded for the negotiating rights of soon to be free agent James Wisniewski. Wisniewski scored a career high 51 points during the 2010–11 season splitting time between the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens. The point total was tied for fifth in the league for defenseman scoring. The Blue Jackets came to terms with Wisniewski an hour prior to the start of free agency signing him to a six-year $33 million dollar deal. 
Columbus also traded former first round draft pick Nikita Filatov to the Ottawa Senators for a third round pick in the 2011 draft. Filatov had failed to live up to expectations in Columbus, playing in only 44 games over three seasons scoring six goals. Prior to the start of the season the Blue Jackets were questioned for not signing a veteran back-up to starting goaltender Steve Mason. The former Calder Trophy winner had struggled in consecutive seasons and the Blue Jackets signed Mark Dekanich as the back-up who had only 50 minutes of NHL experience prior to the start of the season. Columbus did sign a veteran Curtis Sanford to be their third string goaltender and to start for their American Hockey League affiliate the Springfield Falcons. Sanford had not played in the NHL since 2009. During training camp Dekanich suffered a high ankle sprain that was expected to keep him out of the line-up for a month. Sanford suffered a groin injury, leaving Allen York as the backup. York had only played four professional games, all in the American Hockey League, entering the season.
==Regular season==
=== October – December ===
thumb|Derek MacKenzie takes a face-off against the Vancouver Canucks Manny Malhotra during the December 13 game
After the first 5 games, all losses, Carter suffered a broken foot that kept him out of the line-up for 10 games. With carter out the Blue Jackets had a chance to end their losing streak in a game versus the Ottawa Senators. Columbus held a 3–2 lead with under a minute to play. Jason Spezza tied the game on a late powerplay and with just 4.7 seconds reaming Milan Michalek notched the winning goal for the Senators. The loss helped set a franchise record for futility with a 0–7–1 record to start a season. The losing streak came to an end three days later with a win versus the Detroit Red Wings. During the game several milestones were reached, Wisniewski made his Columbus debut, Ryan Johansen and John Moore scored their first career NHL goals, and Grant Clitsome had a career high three assists. Columbus was unable to create any momentum from the win and continued to struggle, culminating in a 2–12–1 record, which was the worst start to an NHL season in 19 years. With the team struggling management attempted to "shake things up" by making some roster moves. The first move was the acquisition of second year center Mark Letestu from the Pittsburgh Penguins, next they traded defenseman Kris Russell, to the St. Louis Blues for defenseman Nikita Nikitin. As the clubs slow start continued rumors were that they would fire head coach Scott Arniel and replace him with Ken Hitchcock. Hitchcock had previous coached the Blue Jackets to their only playoff appearance in club history and was still under contract with the franchise through the end of the season. Before any of these rumors came to fruition the Blues asked Columbus for permission to hire Hitchcock, the Blue Jackets agreed and St Louis proceeded to hire him. Hitchcock began his Blues coaching career with a 6–1–2 record in his first 9 games, while Columbus amassed a 6–13–3 record to start the season.
During the same time frame as the Hitchcock rumors Sanford returned from his groin injury on November 13. He made his first start of the season against the Boston Bruins, losing 2–1 in a shootout. Sanford continued his strong play going 3–1–2 record, 1.38 goals-against average and .947 save percentage. Sanford started 12 consecutive games before Mason made is next start. The number of starts might not have been as numerous, but prior to the November 23 game Mason was hit in the head by a Nash shot during pre-game warm-ups and suffered a concussion. Mason returned from his concussion after two games making a start against the Vancouver Canucks. Mason allowed only one goal in the game despite suffering from cramping in the third period, temporarily being replaced by Sanford for just over three minutes. Columbus won the game 2–1 in a shootout breaking a 9 game losing streak to the Canucks. After the game Arniel stated that Sanford was still seen as the team's number one goaltender. However, Mason started four of the next six games with the Blue Jackets going 0–5–1 during that stretch.
=== January – February===
With the losing continuing more rumors began to surface. Unlike before the rumors were about player moves rather than coaching changes. The majority of rumors were that the Blue Jackets would trade Nash. While Howson stated that he had never brought up trading Nash in discussions, other teams had inquired about his availability. Nash stated that if Columbus felt it would make the franchise better than he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause. Howson publicly stated that he had no intention of trading Nash. More rumors came to light when reports attributed to RDS stated that Carter was unhappy in Columbus and demanded a trade. Howson, Carter, and his agent all denied that a trade request was ever made and they were unsure where the reports were coming from. With the trade dead line approaching speculation picked up on the Blue Jackets trading Carter, reports were that Columbus was trying to trade Carter and that he was "100 percent available". 
At the half way point of the season with the Blue Jackets barley into double digit wins with an 11–25–5 record, worst in the league, and sitting 20 points out of playoff position, Columbus fired Arniel. He was replaced by assistant coach Todd Richards on an interim basis. Richards previously coached the Minnesota Wild. He recorded his first coaching victory for the Blue Jackets in his second game a 4–3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. The change in coaching did not change the fortunes of the team as they reached the All-Star break with a 13–30–6 record. At the break Blue Jackets' owner John P. McConnell sent out a letter to fans stating his understanding of their frustration. He added that action would be taken around the trade deadline, the Entry Draft, and free agency to indicate the new direction of the team. When speaking of the season McConnell stated "disappointing is not a strong enough word" and that he was committed to giving fans a team of which they can be proud of. He also thanked them for their dedication and passion, while reiterating that the team goal was to "win consistently and compete for the Stanley Cup". Days later a 250 person protest occurred outside of Nationwide Arena. Fans were upset with the Blue Jackets' management and were calling for changes at the top. The same day the fans protested it was announced that the franchise would host the 2013 All-Star Game. Columbus was without a representative for the 2012 All-star game, but Johansen represent the club as a rookie participant in the super skills competition. In the competition Johansen participated in the "Allstate Insurance NHL Breakaway Challenge", a shootout themed event judged by the fans. He received just 1% of the vote and finished last.
Following the break the Blue Jackets were on the road playing the Los Angeles Kings, with the game tie late in the game Kings' defenseman Drew Doughty scored with just 0.4 seconds reaming to win the game. Upon review of the goal it was determined that the clock at Staples Center froze at 1.8 seconds for over a full second, which would have resulted in time expiring prior to the goal being scored. Kings' GM Dean Lombardi stated that the clock was correct and no extra time had been added, due to the way the clock self corrects at various times. Howson stated the team's blog that "It is an amazing coincidence that with the Kings on a power play at Staples Center and with a mad scramble around our net in the dying seconds of the third period of a 2–2 hockey game that the clock stopped for at least one full second" adding that "Either there was a deliberate stopping of the clock or the clock malfunctioned." Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell stated that the Blue Jackets were wronged but that the outcome of the game could not be changed and that the delay was not noticed by the off-ice officials or the situation room in Toronto. To determine the true cause of the clock pause the NHL launched an investigation, talking with the clocks' manufacturer and interviewing the Staples Center staff.
Two weeks prior to the NHL trade deadline Columbus announced that unlike earlier in the season they would listen to trade proposes involving Nash, though they were not actively shopping him. Howson stated that the team was open to all options for improving the team, including trading Nash. Speculation was that in return for Nash the Blue Jackets would ask for a "combination of young, proven players, high-end prospects and draft picks". Leading up to the trade deadline the Blue Jackets dealt Antoine Vermette to the Coyotes for two draft picks and goaltender Curtis McElhinney. Despite being injured at the time, the acquisition of McElhinney was believed to give Columbus the flexibility to trade Sanford. The following day on February, 23 Columbus traded Carter to the Kings. In the deal Columbus acquired defenseman Jack Johnson and a first round draft pick. The Blue Jackets were given a choice of either taking the pick in 2012 or 2013. At the deadline Columbus was unable to come to terms on a deal involving Nash, but did make one more move. The Blue Jackets sent center Samuel Pahlsson to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for two fourth round draft picks and minor league defenseman Taylor Ellington. Following the trade deadline Howson announced that the team had attempted to trade Nash at the player's request. Nash stated that he had requested the trade after being informed that the franchise was going into another rebuilding phase. He further noted that he felt that he "could be a huge part of that towards bringing assets in," and in his view "it was the best thing for the team, the organization, and personally for [his] career." After the personnel changes the Blue Jackets closed out the month with a three game losing streak.
=== March – April===
thumb|The Blue Jackets playing the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena on February 18, 2012
Columbus started March with a 2–0 shutout against the Colorado Avalanche. They proceeded to win their next game against the Phoenix Coyotes 5–2 which marked the first time that the Blue Jackets posted back to back regulation victories. Columbus again defeated the Coyotes three days later to earn their first three game win streak of the season. They extended the streak to four with a win over the Kings before it came to an end with a 4–1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. It was the only four game win streak of the season for the Blue Jackets. They immediately matched their four game win streak with a four game losing streak and with 10 games reaming the Blue Jackets were the first team eliminated from playoff contention. Shortly after being eliminated they were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers 6–3, the loss clinched last place in the NHL for Columbus. It was the first time in franchise history the Blue Jackets finished in 30th place. 
Three days later, on March 28 Mason was injured in the morning skate when a shot from Colton Gillies hit him in the mask. With Sanford again injured, York was forced to make an emergency start. Playing against the Detroit Red Wings York made 29 saves including 17 in the third period helping Columbus to a 4–2 victory and giving York his first career NHL win. York remained the starter and led the Blue Jackets to a second three game winning streak. In his fourth start Columbus was shutout by the Coyotes despite a franchise record 54 shots on goal losing 2–0. The 54 saves by Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith set an NHL record for a regulation shutout. Mason returned to the starters roll the final two games, winning both. The two victories gave Columbus 65 points for the year, their third lowest total in franchise history.
==Post-season==
Finishing with the worst record in the NHL Columbus had the best chance of receiving the first overall pick in the 2012 draft. With the NHL's weighted draft lottery the Blue Jackets had a 48.2% chance of drafting first overall. However, the lottery was won by the Oilers who proceeded to leapfrog Columbus and secure the number one draft pick for a third consecutive year. It was the fifth time that the Blue Jackets were dropped one draft position in the franchises twelve lottery participations. 
A month later, on May 14, the blue Jackets announced that Richards would remain as head coach and signed him to a two-year contract. During the press conference Howson noted "Our team continuously improved under Todd and he has earned the opportunity to build upon the work he started." Columbus posted an 18–21–2 record under Richards including winning seven of their final eleven games.
==Standings==
==Schedule and results==
===Pre-season===
2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)	2011 Pre-season game log: 5–2–1 (Home: 4–0–0 ; Road: 1–2–1)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Record 	Recap 	 	
1 	September 20 (split-squad) 	Winnipeg Jets 	1–5 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	 	Dekanich 	1–0–0 	Recap 	 	
2 	September 20 (split-squad) 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	1–6 	Winnipeg Jets 	 	Sanford 	1–1–0 	Recap 	 	
3 	September 21 	Washington Capitals 	3–4 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	OT 	Mason 	2–1–0 	Recap 	 	
4 	September 23 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	3–4 	Minnesota Wild 	OT 	York 	2–1–1 	Recap 	 	
5 	September 25 	Buffalo Sabres 	1–4 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	 	Mason 	3–1–1 	Recap 	 	
6 	September 26 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	1–3 	Washington Capitals 	 	Sanford 	3–2–1 	Recap 	 	
7 	September 29 	Minnesota Wild 	2–4 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	 	Mason 	4–2–1 	Recap 	 	
8 	September 30 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	3–2 	Carolina Hurricanes 	 	Mason 	5–2–1 	Recap 	 	
===Regular season===
* Green background indicates win (2 points).
* Red background indicates regulation loss (0 points).
* Silver background indicates overtime/shootout loss (1 point).
2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log 	2011–12 Game Log
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October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)	October: 2–9–1 (Home: 2–3–1 ; Road: 0–6–0)
# 	Date 	Visitor 	Score 	Home 	OT 	Decision 	Attendance 	Record 	Pts 	Recap
1 	October 7 	Nashville Predators 	3–2 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	– 	Mason 	18,247 	0–1–0 	0 	Recap
2 	October 8 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	2–4 	Minnesota Wild 	– 	Mason 	19,040 	0–2–0 	0 	Recap
3 	October 10 	Vancouver Canucks 	3–2 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	– 	Mason 	9,187 	0–3–0 	0 	Recap
4 	October 12 	Colorado Avalanche 	3–2 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	SO 	Mason 	8,986 	0–3–1 	1 	Recap
5 	October 15 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	2–4 	Dallas Stars 	– 	Mason 	8,305 	0–4–1 	1 	Recap
6 	October 18 	Dallas Stars 	3–2 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	– 	Mason 	9,158 	0–5–1 	1 	Recap
7 	October 21 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	2–5 	Detroit Red Wings 	– 	Mason 	20,066 	0–6–1 	1 	Recap
8 	October 22 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	3–4 	Ottawa Senators 	– 	Mason 	18,867 	0–7–1 	1 	Recap
9 	October 25 	Detroit Red Wings 	1–4 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	– 	Mason 	15,100 	1–7–4 	3 	Recap
10 	October 27 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	2–4 	Buffalo Sabres 	– 	Mason 	18,690 	1–8–1 	3 	Recap
11 	October 29 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	2–5 	Chicago Blackhawks 	– 	York 	21,114 	1–9–1 	3 	Recap
12 	October 30 	Anaheim Ducks 	1–3 	Columbus Blue Jackets 	– 	Mason 	16,022 	2–9–1 	5 	Recap
==Player stats==
===Skaters===
Regular season	 	 	 	 	 	
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"	 	 	 	 	 	
Player 	GP	G 	A 	Pts	+/−	PIM
 	82	30	29	59 	−19	40
 	82	16	39	55 	−11	36
 	74	14	27	41 	−20	42
 	77	20	20	40 	−10	27
† 	54	7 	25	32 	−5 	14
 	48	6 	21	27 	−13	37
‡ 	60	8 	19	27 	−17	12
 	66	5 	21	26 	−21	49
‡ 	39	15	10	25 	−11	14
† 	51	11	13	24 	−3 	6
 	67	9 	12	21 	-2 	24
 	77	12	8 	20 	−11	235
 	56	3 	13	16 	−12	26
 	66	7 	7 	14 	4 	40
 	27	7 	7 	14 	1 	14
† 	21	4 	10	14 	5 	15
‡ 	51	4 	10	14 	−6 	24
‡ 	61	2 	9 	11 	−6 	22
 	31	2 	8 	10 	0 	16
 	46	1 	6 	7 	−11	24
 	67	2 	5 	7 	−23	8
† 	38	2 	4 	6 	−4 	25
 	30	1 	3 	4 	−1 	14
† 	20	0 	3 	3 	−5 	19
 	54	2 	1 	3 	−8 	126
 	13	0 	3 	3 	−5 	16
‡ 	12	2 	1 	3 	−1 	13
 	41	2 	0 	2 	−7 	2
 	10	1 	1 	2 	−3 	2
 	8 	1 	1 	2 	−3 	6
 	9 	1 	0 	1 	−2 	8
 	7 	1 	0 	1 	−3 	0
 	14	0 	1 	1 	0 	32
 	2 	0 	0 	0 	−2 	2
 	1 	0 	0 	0 	0 	0
 	8 	0 	0 	0 	0 	29
 	1 	0 	0 	0 	1 	0
 	5 	0 	0 	0 	1 	0
===Goaltenders===
Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Time On Ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime Losses; GA = Goals Against; GAA= Goals Against Average; SA= Shots Against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save Percentage; SO= Shutouts
Regular season	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Player 	GP	TOI 	W 	L 	OT	GA 	GAA 	SA 	Sv% 	SO	G	A	PIM
 	46	2534	16	26	3 	143	3.39	1355	.894	1 	0	2	2
 	36	1983	10	18	4 	86 	2.60	971 	.911	1 	0	0	0
 	11	417 	3 	2 	0 	16 	2.30	199 	.920	0 	0	0	0
 	1 	3 	0 	0 	0 	0 	0.00	0 	.000	0 	0	0	0
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Blue Jackets. Stats reflect time with the Blue Jackets only.
‡Traded mid-season
Italics denotes franchise record
==Milestones==
Regular Season 	Regular Season 	Regular Season 	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season	Regular Season
Player 	Milestone 	Reached 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cam Atkinson 	1st Career NHL Game 	October 7, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ryan Johansen 	1st Career NHL Game 	October 7, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
David Savard 	1st Career NHL Game 	October 7, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cam Atkinson 	1st Career NHL Goal1st Career NHL Point 	October 10, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
David Savard 	1st Career NHL Assist1st Career NHL Point	October 15, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ryan Johansen 	1st Career NHL Assist1st Career NHL Point	October 22, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Rick Nash 	600th Career NHL Game 	October 22, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Fedor Tyutin 	500th Career NHL Game 	October 22, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ryan Johansen 	1st Career NHL Goal 	October 25, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John Moore 	1st Career NHL Goal1st Career NHL Point 	October 25, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Allen York 	1st Career NHL Game 	October 25, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Rick Nash 	500th Career NHL Point 	November 10, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Antoine Vermette	300th Career NHL Point 	November 19, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Derek Dorsett 	200th Career NHL Game 	November 23, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Vaclav Prospal 	1,000th Career NHL Game 	November 25, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Jared Boll 	300th Career NHL Game 	November 27, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Vaclav Prospal 	700th Career NHL Point 	December 1, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
R.J. Umberger 	500th Career NHL Game 	December 2, 2011 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Mark Letestu 	100th Career NHL Game 	December 10, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
John Moore 	1st Career NHL Assist 	December 29, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ryan Russell 	1st Career NHL Game 	January 7, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Tomas Kubalik 	1st Career NHL Goal 	January 13, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Ryan Russell 	1st Career NHL Goal1st Career NHL Point 	January 13, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Steve Mason 	200th Career NHL Game 	January 31, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Andrew Joudrey 	1st Career NHL Game 	February 1, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
David Savard 	1st Career NHL Goal 	February 7, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Colton Gillies 	100th Career NHL Game 	February 11, 2012	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cam Atkinson 	1st Career NHL Assist 	February 26, 2012	 	 	 	 	 	 	
R.J. Umberger 	300th Career NHL Point 	March 3, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cam Atkinson 	1st Career NHL Hat-trick 	March 5, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Maksim Mayorov 	1st Career NHL Assist 	March 8, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Jack Johnson 	100th Career NHL Assist 	March 23, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Allen York 	1st Career NHL Win 	March 28, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Dalton Prout 	1st Career NHL Game 	March 31, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cody Goloubef 	1st Career NHL Game 	March 31, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Nikita Nikitin 	100th Career NHL Game 	April 3, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Derick Brassard 	100th Career NHL Assist 	April 7, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Shawn Hunwick 	1st Career NHL Game 	April 7, 2012 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
== Transactions ==
The Blue Jackets have been involved in the following transactions during the 2011–12 season.
=== Trades ===
Date 	Details 	Details
June 23, 2011Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire All-Star Center Jeff Carter from Philadelphia Flyers 	To Philadelphia Flyers Jakub Voracek1st-round pick (#8 overall) in 20113rd-round pick (#68 overall) in 2011	To Columbus Blue Jackets Jeff Carter
June 25, 2011Columbus Blue Jackets Select Six Players on Second Day of 2011 Entry Draft 	To Ottawa Senators Nikita Filatov 	To Columbus Blue Jackets 3rd-round pick (#66 overall) in 2011
June 29, 2011Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire Rights to Defenseman James Wisniewski from the Montreal Canadiens For A 2012 Seventh Round Draft Pick	To Montreal Canadiens Conditional 7th-round pick in 2012 	To Columbus Blue Jackets James Wisniewski (negotiating rights)
July 7, 2011Blue Jackets Acquire Russell from Canadiens 	To Montreal Canadiens Mike Blunden 	To Columbus Blue Jackets Ryan Russell
November 8, 2011Letestu Acquired from Penguins 	To Pittsburgh Penguins 4th-round pick in 2012 	To Columbus Blue Jackets Mark Letestu
November 10, 2011Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire Defenseman Nikita Nikitin from the St. Louis Blues in Exchange for Defenseman Kris Russell 	To St. Louis Blues Kris Russell 	To Columbus Blue Jackets Nikita Nikitin
February 22, 2012Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire Two Draft Picks, G Curtis McElhinney from Phoenix Coyotes for C Antoine Vermette 	To Phoenix Coyotes Antoine Vermette 	To Columbus Blue Jackets Curtis McElhinney2nd-round pick in 2012Conditional 5th-round pick in 2013
February 23, 2012Blue Jackets Acquire D Jack Johnson and First Round Draft Pick from Los Angeles Kings for C Jeff Carter 	To Los Angeles Kings Jeff Carter 	To Columbus Blue Jackets Jack JohnsonConditional 1st-round pick in 2012 or 2013
February 27, 2012Blue Jackets Acquire Two Picks and D Taylor Ellington from Vancouver in Exchange for C Samuel Pahlsson 	To Vancouver Canucks Samuel Pahlsson 	To Columbus Blue Jackets Taylor EllingtonTwo 4th-round picks in 2012
|}
=== Free agents signed ===
Player 	Former team 	Contract terms
Andrew JoudreyColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Forwards Andrew Joudrey, Nicholas Drazenovic to Two-Way NHL/AHL Contracts	Hershey Bears 	2 years, $1.175 million
Nicholas Drazenovic 	St. Louis Blues 	1 year, $550,000
Mark DekanichColumbus Blue Jackets Agree to Terms with Goaltenders Mark Dekanich and Curtis Sanford 	Nashville Predators 	1 year, $575,000
Curtis Sanford 	Hamilton Bulldogs 	1 year, $600,000
Alexandre GirouxBlue Jackets Sign LW Alexandre Giroux 	Edmonton Oilers 	1 year, $825,000
Aaron JohnsonColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Aaron Johnson 	Milwaukee Admirals 	1 year, $550,000
Radek MartinekColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Radek Martinek 	New York Islanders 	1 year, $2.2 million
Dane ByersBlue Jackets Sign Forwards Dane Byers and Martin St. Pierre to One-Year, Two-Way NHL-AHL Contracts 	San Antonio Rampage 	1 year, $550,000
Martin St. Pierre 	Karpat 	1 year, $600,000
Cody BassBlue Jackets Sign Center Cody Bass 	Ottawa Senators 	1 year, $600,000
Vinny ProspalBlue Jackets Sign Vinny Prospal 	New York Rangers 	1 year, $1.75 million
Brett LebdaBlue Jackets D Radek Martinek to Miss Rest of the Season, Club Signs D Brett Lebda to One-Year Contract	Springfield Falcons 	1 year, $700,000
Shawn HunwickBlue Jackets Sign Shawn Hunwick to One-Year Contract 	University of Michigan	1 year, $525,000 entry-level contract
=== Free agents lost ===
Player 	New team 	Contract terms
Gustaf Wesslau 	Djurgårdens IF 	1 year
Scottie UpshallPanthers Sign LW Scottie Upshall 	Florida Panthers 	4 years, $14 million
Mathieu GaronLightning Sign Free Agent Goaltender Mathieu Garon 	Tampa Bay Lightning	2 years, $2.6 million
Mike CommodoreWings sign Commodore to one-year 	Detroit Red Wings 	1 year, $1 million
Jan HejdaAvalanche Signs Jan Hejda 	Colorado Avalanche 	4 years, $13 million
Trevor FrischmonIslanders Agree to Terms with Frischmon 	New York Islanders 	1 year, $615,000
Kyle WilsonPreds Sign Forward Kyle Wilson 	Nashville Predators	2 years, $1.1 million
Ben GuiteVeteran Ben Guite Signs With Sharks 	San Jose Sharks 	1 year, $525,000
Sami LepistoBlackhawks agree to terms with Michael Frolik, Sami Lepisto	Chicago Blackhawks 	1 year, $750,000
Andrew MurraySharks Sign Center Andrew Murray 	San Jose Sharks 	1 year, $575,000
Ethan MoreauKings Sign Moreau to One-Year Deal 	Los Angeles Kings 	1 year, $600,000
Anton StralmanRangers add defenseman Stralman 	New York Rangers 	1 year, $900,000
===Claimed via waivers===
Player 	Former team 	Date claimed off waivers
Colton GilliesColumbus Blue Jackets Claim Left Wing Colton Gillies Off Waivers from the Minnesota Wild	Minnesota Wild 	January 14, 2012
Darryl BoyceColumbus Blue Jackets Claim C Darryl Boyce Off Waivers from Toronto Maple Leafs 	Toronto Maple Leafs	February 25, 2012
=== Lost via waivers ===
Player 	New team 	Date claimed off waivers
Grant ClitsomeJets claim Grant Clitsome off waivers	Winnipeg Jets	February 27, 2012
=== Lost via retirement ===
Player
=== Player signings ===
Player 	Date 	Contract terms
Grant ClitsomeColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Grant Clitsome to Two-Year Contract 	June 10, 2011 	2 years, $2.5 million
Nick HoldenColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Nick Holden to One-Year, Two-Way NHL-American Hockey League Contract 	June 20, 2011 	1 year, $675,000
Mike BlundenJackets Sign Forward Mike Blunden 	June 29, 2011 	1 year, $615,000
Dalton ProutColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Dalton Prout to Standard Three-Year Entry Level Contract 	July 1, 2011 	3 years, $1.995 million entry-level contract
James WisniewskiColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman James Wisniewski to a Six-Year Contract 	July 1, 2011 	6 years, $33 million
Marc MethotColumbus Blue Jackets Agree Terms with Defenseman Marc Methot on a Four-Year Contract 	July 5, 2011 	4 years, $12 million
Dalton SmithColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Forwards Dalton Smith and Ryan Russell 	August 8, 2011 	3 years, $2.3775 million entry-level contract
Ryan Russell 	August 8, 2011 	1 year, $525,000
Fedor TyutinBlue Jackets Sign Defenseman Fedor Tyutin to Six-Year Contract Extension 	August 31, 2011 	6 years, $27 million contract extension
R.J. UmbergerColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Forward R.J. Umberger to a Five-Year Contract Extension through the 2016–17 Season 	September 21, 2011	5 years, $23 million contract extension
Vaclav ProspalColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Left Wing Vinny Prospal to One-Year Contact Extension 	February 8, 2012 	1 year, $2.5 million contract extension
Boone JennerColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Center Boone Jenner to A Three-Year Entry Level Contract 	March 28, 2012 	3 years, $2.4275 million entry-level contract
Sean CollinsBlue Jackets Sign Forward Sean Collins to Two-Year Entry Level Contract 	March 28, 2012 	2 years, $1.25 million entry-level contract
Will WeberColumbus Blue Jackets Sign D Will Weber to Standard Two-Year Entry Level Contract 	April 6, 2012 	2 years, $1.325 million entry-level contract
Cody BassCOLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS SIGN FORWARD CODY BASS TO ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE-AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE CONTRACT	April 9, 2012 	1 year, $700,000 contract extension
Jake HansenColumbus Blue Jackets Sign Forward Jake Hansen to Standard Two-Year Entry Level Contract 	April 12, 2012 	2 years, $1.27 million entry-level contract
Nick DrazenovicBlue Jackets Sign Forward Nick Drazenovic 	April 26, 2012 	1 year, $600,000 contract extension
Michael ChaputBlue Jackets Ink Prospect Michael Chaput to Three-Year Entry Level Contract 	April 28, 2012 	3 years, $2.12 million entry-level contract
Austin MadaiskyJackets Sign D Austin Madaisky to Entry Level Contract 	May 19, 2012 	3 years, $1.865 million entry-level contract
Derek DorsettColumbus Blue Jackets Re-Sign Right Wing Derek Dorsett 	May 23, 2012 	3 years, $4.9 million contract extension
Ryan RussellColumbus Blue Jackets Re-Sign Center Ryan Russell 	May 24, 2012 	1 year, $700,000 contract extension
Derek MacKenzieBlue Jackets Re-Sign Center Derek MacKenzie To A Two-Year Contract 	May 31, 2012 	2 years, contract extension
== 2011 Draft picks ==
Columbus' picks at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in St. Paul, Minnesota. 
Round	# 	Player 	Position	Nationality	College/Junior/Club Team (League)
2 	37 	Boone Jenner 	C 	 	Oshawa Generals (OHL)
3 	66 (from Ottawa)	Thomas Tynan 	C 	 	Notre Dame Fighting Irish (CCHA)
4 	98 	Mike Reilly 	D 	 	Shattuck-Saint Mary's (Midget Major AAA)
5 	128 	Seth Ambroz 	RW 	 	Omaha Lancers (USHL)
6 	158 	Lukas Sedlak 	C 	 	C.Budejovice Jr. (CZREP-JR.)
7 	188 	Anton Forsberg	G 	 	Modo Jr. (Swe-Jr.)
== See also ==
* 2011–12 NHL season
==References==
Category:Columbus Blue Jackets seasons
Columbus Blue Jackets season, 2011–12