COLUMBUS — If Thursday night was any indication, the new-look Blue Jackets could be a lot of fun.
Columbus opened the 2026-27 season with a 6-3 victory over Buffalo at Nationwide Arena, and several of the club’s offseason additions immediately made their presence felt. None more than Matthew Knies, who scored twice and added an assist in his Blue Jackets debut.
Buffalo struck first, but Cole Sillinger answered at 12:51 of the opening period to tie the game. Knies then gave Columbus a 2-1 lead with a power-play goal at 17:58, and just 46 seconds later, Adam Fantilli scored his first of the season off assists from Zach Werenski and Knies to send the Blue Jackets into the first intermission with a 3-1 advantage.
The Sabres cut into the lead early in the second, but Knies answered again at 7:45 with his second goal of the night. Emil Andrae, another piece acquired in the blockbuster trade with Toronto, picked up his first point as a Blue Jacket with an assist, while Kent Johnson added the other helper.
Buffalo continued to hang around and eventually pulled within 4-3, turning what had looked like a comfortable Columbus lead into a one-goal game heading into the final period.
That is where the Blue Jackets finished the job.
Sean Monahan gave Columbus some breathing room with 5:39 remaining, scoring a power-play goal off assists from Valeri Nichushkin and Dmitri Voronkov. Nichushkin was another of the club’s offseason additions to get involved on the scoresheet. Mathieu Olivier then put the game away with 2:07 remaining, with Charlie Coyle picking up his third assist of the night.
Coyle quietly had a huge opener, while Jet Greaves did his part to protect the lead in the third as Buffalo pushed for the tying goal. The Sabres generated several chances, including one shot off the post, but Columbus never surrendered the equalizer.
The most encouraging part may be how quickly the remodeled roster looked comfortable together. Knies had three points, Andrae recorded an assist, Nichushkin helped set up a late insurance goal, and the top line of Knies, Fantilli, and Johnson produced immediately.
There will obviously be much tougher nights ahead over an 84-game season, but after an offseason filled with uncertainty and change, Columbus could hardly have asked for a more promising beginning.
What’s Next
The Blue Jackets remain at Nationwide Arena on Saturday when they host the Utah Mammoth.
