Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a big addition on the eve of the draft by acquiring do-it-all winger Valeri Nichushkin in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche.

Werenski, 28, was first on 113 ballots in voting by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The 34-year Coyle was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche last June. He was fourth on the team in goals (20) and points (58) and played all 82 games in his first season with the Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets' record was 21-11-5 after Rick Bowness was named head coach on Jan. 12. But the team faded down the stretch and failed to make the NHL playoffs.

The playoff race in the NHL's Eastern Conference comes down to seven teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, fighting for five spots over the final three weeks of the season.

Zach Werenski reached the milestone goal during the first period of the Blue Jackets' 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. The goal also made him the third American defenseman in NHL history with consecutive 20-goal seasons, joining Phil Housley and Reed Larson.

General Manager Don Waddell said Evason was put in a tough situation, but the team had higher expectations this season. Waddell also said the Jackets blew leads in recent home games and lost to division rivals.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have fired coach Dean Evason and named Rick Bowness as his replacement.

Last season brought many challenges with the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed by an accused drunk driver in New Jersey, before the season started.

The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority wants a major renovation for the 25-year-old Nationwide Arena to prepare for the next 25 years.