The 2025 National Hockey League Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium has arrived at Ohio Stadium in downtown Columbus, Ohio where approximately 90,000 excited hockey fans will see outdoor hockey for the first time in Columbus Blue Jackets’ franchise history. This is the most exciting event in the league coming to town since 2015 NHL All Star Weekend.
The game will be ESPN, ESPN+, Disney, FX in Canada, and TVA Sports.
Columbus and Detroit are the first and second wild card teams in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The history runs deep between these teams from a college level and professional level, from teammates to friendships.
Sergei Federov, Gustav Nyquist, Thomas Vanek, Zach Aston-Reese, Mike Commodore, Sam Gagner, Tyler Motte, and Mike Sillinger played for both Columbus and Detroit in their NHL careers.
Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin are best friends away from the game of hockey as they were teammates and roommates at the University of Michigan and were apart of each others weddings.
Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Jack Johnson, Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Andrew Copp, JT Compher were alumni for the University of Michigan. Jack Johnson, part of the Jackets; and Compher, part of the Red Wings, won the Cup with Colorado in 2022; and Johnson’s brother in law is former Ohio State Buckeyes’ linebacker AJ Hawk.
Sean Kuraly and Cole Sillinger are natives of Columbus. Sillinger, unfortunately, will miss the game with an upper body injury sustained on Thursday from a hi by Moritz Seider in the first period.
James van Riemsdyk will become the first skater in league history to ever participate in 8 outdoor hockey games. He was the second overall pick in 2007.
Patrick Kane, the first pick of 2007, will participate in his seventh outdoor hockey game.
The Honda NHL PreGame festivities have been announced prior to the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Ohio Stadium, home of the reigning College Football Playoff National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes at 6 p.m. ET in Columbus, Ohio (ESPN, FX-CA, SN+, TVAS Direct). The PreGame festivities are to resemble the pre-game festival and tailgate activities to take place before the Columbus and Detroit from the hours of 12pm noon through 5pm EST.
Tailgate is in the parking lots of The O on Lane - Columbus' best woodfired pizza and Riverwatch Tower, located on either side of Perry Street at West Lane Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, and it will offer fans of all ages, family-friendly hockey interactive games and attractions, special appearances and the opportunity to take a picture with the most iconic trophy in sports, the Stanley Cup.
Note: A 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ game ticket is not required for admission to the Honda NHL PreGame.
PreGame
The Honda NHL PreGame will include the following attractions, featuring more than a dozen NHL partners activating to engage fans:
* Honda: Honda, the official automotive partner of the NHL in the U.S. and title sponsor of the Honda NHL PreGame fan festival, will feature the all-new 2026 Passport TrailSport – the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever – and the Honda CR-V Hybrid for fans to get up close and personal with. Honda NHL PreGame attendees also can show off their hockey skills for a chance to win exciting prizes. The Stanley Cup! Come celebrate with us as The Columbus Blue Jackets and The Detroit Red Wings get ready to battle in "The Shoe."
* AstraZeneca: Fans can stop by the Hat Trick Challenge presented by AstraZeneca to test their shooting skills and score their very own hat trick. Don’t miss the chance to pick-up limited-edition Hockey Fights Cancer trading cards as well as honor loved ones affected by cancer by including them on “I fight for” stickers. AstraZeneca is an official partner of Hockey Fights Cancer™, a joint initiative of the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
* BODYARMOR: BODYARMOR will give fans the chance to show their skills by shooting pucks into the net while aiming for the targets! Make sure to also try a free sample of BODYARMOR to help hydrate.
* Cat: We know that a commitment to excellence means There’s No Off-Season. It’s an attitude that our customers and NHL players share! They embody the spirit of determination and dedication – and this event is a celebration of their hard work. Within the Caterpillar space fans will have a chance to win prizes, get Cat merch, meet NHL Alumni and more. Caterpillar celebrates the work you do and the journey you’re taking to reach your goals both on and off the ice. #TheresNoOffSeason
* Energizer: Fans can head over to Energizer’s Power Shot activation to test how fast their slapshot is and get their very own pair of Energizer bunny ears! Energizer, Official Battery of the NHL. #StillGoing!™
* ESPN: At ESPN's Body Check photo opportunity, you'll finally be able to see what it looks and feels like to be pinned up against the glass. Hey, it might be your look, you never know!
* Fanatics: Visit the Official Merchandise Store for a great selection of NHL Stadium Series jerseys, apparel, headwear, and souvenirs.
* GEICO: GEICO is excited to honor hockey’s biggest fans with the Fan Advantage Hall of Fans. With photo opportunities and NHL Alumni autographs, the GEICO Fan Advantage Hall of Fans experience will showcase and reward the most passionate fans. At the NHL PreGame fans will get more out of their hockey fandom, just like they get more with GEICO.
* Jersey Mike’s: Jersey Mike’s Honda NHL PreGame activation will feature a “Subs for a Year” sweepstakes and other game day fun. Hockey fans will also have a chance to sample Jersey Mike’s authentic fresh sliced subs.
* Navy Federal Credit Union: Visit the Navy Federal Credit Union Hockey activation to test your range and accuracy at its Hockey Shot Challenge and for your chance to look like the pros while taking your picture in its Hockey Player Photo Opportunity!
* NHL Fan Access: Exciting news – NHL Fan Access™ can now be found within the NHL App! Fans will still have access to maps, schedules, the “Ask Stanley” virtual assistant, opportunities to win prizes, and much more, just all in a new place. Fans are encouraged to download the NHL App prior to attending the Honda NHL PreGame and tap on the recognizable Fan Access logo to learn more! Make sure to stop by the Fan Access booth for everything Honda NHL PreGame and for giveaways!
* Pepsi: At the PEPSI® fan activation zone, hockey fans can experience the thrill of being up close and personal with an actual Zamboni machine, which includes exciting photo opportunities. Plus, they can refresh with free Pepsi® Zero Sugar samples.
* S. Preston Art + Designs: S. Preston is an NHL licensed sport artist specializing in creative minimalist hockey illustrations of famous iconic moments, arenas, and mascots. He will be on site displaying his limited-edition artwork for this year’s NHL Stadium Series along with other pieces in his collection.
* Ticketmaster: Fans can visit the Ticketmaster Bullseye Battle activation to show off their wrist shots by aiming to shoot their puck through the Ticketmaster “t”!
* Upper Deck: Get your own personalized NHL Stadium Series trading card from Upper Deck, the exclusive trading card partner of the NHL®. Upper Deck is also giving fans an opportunity to win fun prizes by playing exciting games such as Puck-O. Collect a FREE NHL Stadium Series digital trading card set at UpperDeckEpack.com, the innovative platform that allows users to buy, open, collect and trade with hockey fans from around the world. Visit the Upper Deck booth for more information.
* Verizon: Verizon invites fans to the Honda NHL PreGame where they can enjoy a warm treat, charge their phones, take part in an exclusive photo opportunity and have a chance to win exciting prizes.
* 97.1: 97.1 The Fan will host a live radio broadcast from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET before the NHL Stadium Series.
The NHL Stadium Series Pep Rally
- [ ] The NHL Stadium Series Pep Rally at St. John Arena featuring a performance by the OSU Athletic Band and concert by O.A.R., whose members are OSU alumni. The event will start at 2:30 p.m. local time and be free and open to the public with first-come, first-served seating. O.A.R. will be joined by the OSU Athletic Band bringing the high-energy enthusiasm of OSU game day traditions to fans before the outdoor game. Columbus Blue Jackets players will make their first stop at St. John Arena before the ceremonious walk over to Ohio Stadium.
Wi-Fi
* Free Wi-Fi is provided for all fans in Ohio Stadium. Fans can access OSUFanWifi by opening Wi-Fi settings on your mobile device and selecting OSUFanWifi.
WHAT: Honda NHL PreGame
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET
WHERE: The O on Lane and Riverwatch Tower Parking Lots 352 West Lane Avenue at Perry Street / 364 West Lane Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43201
Date/Time Event Location
Saturday, March 1, 2025: 8:00 AM Parking Lots Open Ohio Stadium
Saturday, March 1, 2025: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM HONDA NHL PreGame Riverwatch Tower Parking LotThe O on Lane Parking Lot
W. Lane Avenue and Perry Street
Saturday, March 1, 2025: 2:30 PM The NHL Stadium Series Pep Rally St. John Arena
Saturday, March 1, 2025: 4:00 PM Stadium Gates Open Ohio Stadium
Saturday, March 1, 2025: 6:00 PM 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™
Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Ohio Stadium
All guests are encouraged to arrive and enter Ohio Stadium early to help alleviate security screening lines.
Who will play in the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™?
Detroit Red Wings® vs. Columbus Blue Jackets®
Where will the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ be played?
Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
When is the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™?
Saturday, March 1st, 2025 at 6:00 PM
How can I sign up to receive updates on the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™
Please sign up at: https://www.nhl.com/events/2025-nhl-stadium-series
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets to the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series are now on sale to the public via Ticketmaster. Please visit the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ Ticketmaster event page located at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/2025-navy-federal-credit-union-nhl-columbus-ohio-03-01-2025/event/050060F1CB6D5F50
Is this a mobile ticket event?
Yes, the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ will be a fully mobile ticket event.
Will parking be available?
Information regarding parking will be released at a later date.
Twenty One Pilots will perform. The Gaudreau family will be honored. Widow Meredith Gaudreau will lead the team to the ice for game time
Keys to Victory
1. 90,000 Strong 5th Line
2. Disappearing Dylan
3. Outdoor Experience — JvR and Kuraly have played in outdoors games previously; and Fantilli played outdoors with Michigan.
Projected Lineups
Detroit Red Wings
Marco Kasper -- Dylan Larkin -- Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat -- JT Compher -- Patrick Kane
Elmer Soderblom -- Joe Veleno -- Vladimir Tarasenko
Jonathan Berggren -- Tyler Motte -- Christian Fischer
Ben Chariot -- Moritz Seider
Simon Edvinsson -- Albert Johansson
Erik Gustafsson -- Justin Holl
Cam Talbot
Alex Lyon
Scratched: William Lagesson, Sheldon Dries
Injured: Jeff Petry, Michael Rasmussen, Andrew Copp
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dmitri Voronkov -- Adam Fantilli -- Kirill Marchenko
James van Riemsdyk -- Kent Johnson -- Boone Jenner
Zach Aston-Reese -- Justin Danforth -- Mathieu Olivier
Jack Johnson -- Sean Kuraly -- Joseph LaBate
Injured: Cole Sillinger (upper body), Erik Gudbranson (upper body), Yegor Chinakhov (upper body), Sean Monahan (wrist), Kevin Labanc, Owen Sillinger,
Players to Watch
Detroit — Dylan Larkin — after being called out for his disappearing performance in the Thursday matchup, the captain and proud American forward has 53 points in 59 games for the Red Wings.
Columbus — Zach Werenski — after he and Sean Monahan were both announced for the Amazon series Faceoff: Inside the NHL, Season Two, coming Fall 2025, on Thursday, the leading scorer of the Jackets is looking to produce and get his team another win.
Predicted Final Score
CBJ — 4
DET— 3
Gambling Corner
Columbus is the -115 favorites over Detroit’s -105.
Rumor Update
Expect Olivier to come off the board; extension coming!
Erik Karlsson and Seth Jones are part of the short list in Columbus for the “contending” team as they have the cap space.
After Ek promoted my post to the top slot over the weekend, this will be posted daily with my Twitter promotion of who may join and depart Columbus
Per Josh Erickson of ProHockeyRumors and Spencer Lazary of THN — CBJ
CGY, PHI, VAN
F Rickard Rakkell (PIT)
CBJ
G James Reimer (BUF)
CBJ
G Vitek Vanecek (SJS)
CBJ
D Noah Dobson (NYI)
Per Spencer Lazar THN (CBJ)
DET, MTL, VAN,
F Casey Mittlestadt (COL)
Per Jason Newland THN - CBJ
BOS, CGY, WPG
F Oliver Bjorkstrand (SEA)
Per Spencer Lazar THN (CBJ)
UTH, VAN
D Jamie Oleskiak (SEA)
Per NHL Trade Talk Trade Board
CBJ, DAL, TOR
F Nick Robertson (TOR)
CBJ, SEA, UTH
D Seth Jones (CHI)
OTT, DAL, COL, CBJ
Seth Jones has already said he's open to waiving his no-movement clause to be traded to a contender, according to a report in The Athletic on Friday. The Blackhawks defenseman has four years remaining on a contract that carries a $9.5 million AAV.
His comments out of frustration following a 2-1 loss at Utah on Tuesday showcase why Jones wants out. The Blackhawks (17-34-7) were outshot 36-22 and were on the wrong side of the total shot attempts, 93-39.
Chicago, which has lost four in a row (0-3-1) and seven of eight (1-5-2), is 31st in the NHL standings and has not qualified for the playoffs the past four seasons.
"I think we're the exact same team right now as we were Game 1," Jones said. "I think it's pretty evident out there. We haven't made any strides to be a better, more simple hockey team, and it shows. We don't get a lot of wins because of that.
"This has been almost four years of bottom of the League, it's not just this year, for me at least.”
Jones, 30, has 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in 47 games while averaging 24:31 of ice time, which ranks 13th in the NHL.
Leaving Columbus?
2025 1 st Rd (BOTH)
Only for player with term
D Ivan Provorov
Currently in the final season of his six-year contract with a 6.75 million AAV, Provorov would be a good option for a team looking add offense on its back end. The 28-year-old has had at least 25 points in each of his nine NHL seasons. Columbus is in the thick of the playoff chase so it would take a good offer to pry Provorov away. Yet, considering he can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the Blue Jackets may listen to offers.
FLA, TBL, WSH, OTT, EDM, PIT, SEA, VAN, DAL
F Mathieu Olivier - expected to extend with Columbus
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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