The Columbus Blue Jackets Have 23 Days Until Opening Night At Nationwide Arena: The History Of Jersey #23

jason newland

Sun, Sep 22, 2024, 8:13 a.m.·3 min read

The Columbus Blue Jackets have had many players don the Union Blue in its history. The number 23 is a very popular number worn in sports, including hockey. The talent was few and far between for this jersey number though.

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Let's look at the players that have worn the number.

Who Wore It First?

Kevin Dahl - Dahl played four games for the Jackets during the 2000-01 season. He had zero points and never played another NHL game after his time in Columbus. The former Bowling Green University Falcon Captain left for Europe in 2001 and retired in 2004.

Who Wore It Last?

Jake Christiansen - Christiansen is still young and trying to grab a roster spot this season. He has seven points in 44 career NHL games. He's also the third all-time leading scorer in Cleveland Monsters history.

Who Wore It Best?

Derrick Walser - Walser played 91 games for Columbus from 01 to 07. He totaled 29 points and never played another NHL game after leaving Columbus. He would leave for Europe and retire in 2017.

Others That Have Worn #23

Alexander Selivanov - Played 59 games during the CBJ's inaugural season and had 19 points. He left for Europe after the 00-01 season and retired in 2012.
Dick Tärnström - He played 19 games for the Jackets after being traded from the Edmonton Oilers. After finishing with nine points, he left for Europe and retired in 2012.
Milan Jurčina - Jurčina played in 17 for the Jackets after he and current Cleveland Monsters GM Chris Clark were traded from the Washington Capitals for Jason Chimera. He had 3 points for Columbus. He retired in Czechia in 2023.
Tom Sestito - Sestito played 13 games for Columbus over three seasons and had four points. He retired in 2019 after bouncing around the league.
Brett Lebda - Played 30 games for the Jackets in 2011-12, netting four points. He never played another NHL game after leaving Columbus.
Matt Frattin - Frattin came over from the LA Kings in the Marián Gáborík trade of 2014. After playing just four games and tallying one point, he was traded to Toronto. He most recently played in Europe.
Brian Gibbons - Played 25 games in Columbus in 14-15 and had five points. He left for Europe after bouncing around the league, and most recently played in Germany.
David Clarkson - Clarkson only played 26 games in Columbus before a serious back injury derailed his career. His contract was then traded twice before he officially retired. Clarkson stayed in the Columbus area after retiring, coaching the Upper Arlington High School Hockey Team for a season. These days, he owns the NAHL's Colorado Grit. The Grit is a Tier II junior team based in Greeley, Colorado.
Ian Cole - On February 26, 2018, Cole was traded to the CBJ to help with their playoff push. He had 7 points in 20 games before bolting for Colorado in the offseason. He currently plays for the Utah Hockey Club.
Stefan Matteau - Matteau has appeared in 27 games for Columbus in two different stints, and has four points. Most of his time for Columbus has been spent playing for Cleveland, where he has 20 points in 65 games.
Brendan Gaunce - Gaunce played 59 games for Columbus and had 12 points. Where he was most valuable was in Cleveland, where he served as Captain last season. He left this off-season and signed a contract with the Iowa Wild of the AHL. He had 85 points for Cleveland in 102 games.

There are 23 days left until opening night at Nationwide Arena.

Who is your favorite #23? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

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