The Columbus Blue Jackets have only had four players wear #62 in their history, and in a weird twist, three of them have been since 2023. They haven't had any real impact players where the number in their short 25-year history, but that could change one day.
Let's take a look at who has put on the #62 Union Blue Jersey.
Alex Broadhurst –
Draft: Chicago, 7th round – 199th overall – 2011
Broadhurst was traded to Columbus by Chicago with Brandon Saad and Michael Paliotta for Artem Anisimov, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp, Marko Dano, and Columbus' 4th round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, June 30, 2015. He would only play in a pair of games for the CBJ during the 2017-18 season. Where Broadhurst would excel would be in the AHL for the Cleveland Monsters. He played in 229 games for Cleveland, scoring 48 goals and totaling 132 points. On February 25, 2019, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets. He would play 2019-20 with the San Diego Gulls, and then leave for Europe. He spent two seasons in Liiga and the last three playing in the KHL. He is signed to play a fourth consecutive season in Russia for 25-26.
Samuel Kňažko –
Draft: Columbus, 3rd round – 78th overall – 2020
Kňažko's scouting report from Elite Prospects reads as follows: "Kňažko's passing skills are refined for a defenseman. He can find players in the seam and on the breakout with great accuracy. He's comfortable with making plays from his backhand and makes sharp passes with good power behind them. His mobility stood out; he has the skating ability to be effective defending against the rush and during long cycles." Unfortunately for Kňažko, he's a left-shot defenseman, and that's not something that the Blue Jackets really needed at any level, so he became expendable. After playing in only two NHL games and three seasons with the Monsters, he was not tendered a contract and became a free agent. Instead of staying in North America, he chose to return home to Czechia and play for HC Vítkovice. Kňažko should also be selected for Czechia in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Kevin Labanc –
Draft: San Jose, 6th round – 171st overall – 2014
Labanc was by Columbus, October 5, 2024, just prior to the season. After playing 8 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Labanc was on a PTO with the New Jersey Devils when he was plucked away by Don Waddell. Labanc played in 34 games for Columbus last season before going down due to injury. He scored 2 goals and had 12 points while playing 10:30 a game. Labanc did fairly well in his role. He was scratched a lot, but when he got his chance to play, he was usually noticeable. He had four points in his first five games to start the season, and fans were excited to see what he could do. As of right now, Labanc doesn't have an NHL deal, but there are rumors that he is getting interest from Europe. Once he is cleared from his injury, he should be good to go for the 25-26 season.
As of right now, no other player is scheduled to wear #62 in the immediate future for the CBJ, but surely someday someone will take that number who will have an impact on the team.
With 62 days left before the Jackets take the ice again at Nationwide Arena, there is a lot of positivity surrounding the team. Don Waddell signed who he had to sign in the offseason to put the team in a good position going forward. People wanted a few things, including huge free agents and big trades, but many forget that he has to sign some very important players soon, including Adam Fantilli and Jet Greaves. Not to mention Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson, and Dmitri Voronkov may need new deals in 2027.
There are still many questions that need to be answered, but for now, we wait. Don Waddell is no doubt still working the phones, trying to make the team better every day. Whether it's by trade or a free agent, the job never sleeps.
What do you think Don Waddell should do between now and opening night?
The Jackets have 62 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, and fans are getting restless. The CBJ will take on the New Jersey Devils on Monday, October 13th at 7 PM. The Blue Jackets have much higher expectations this season than in previous years. Many expect the CBJ to make the playoffs, something they missed by a single win last season. Can the Blue Jackets overcome their deficiencies and weaknesses to make a playoff push in the weak Metro Division?
Let us know what you think below.
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