What This Means for Columbus and the Global Stage
As the NHL season winds down and the Stanley Cup Playoffs rage on without the Columbus Blue Jackets, there’s still something for fans in Ohio to cheer about. Six members of the Jackets are heading to the international stage, representing their respective nations at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, which kicks off this week in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.
The tournament, which annually draws top talent from across the NHL and Europe, offers a global spotlight—one where Blue Jackets players are looking to make serious waves. Here’s who’s going, what it means for their development, and why Columbus fans should be watching closely.
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The Blue Jackets Going Global: The Six Selected
1. Adam Fantilli – Canada
Let’s start with the headliner. Adam Fantilli, the 2023 third-overall pick and face of the Jackets’ youth movement, will suit up for Team Canada in his second IIHF Worlds appearance. Fantilli, just 20 years old, had a rollercoaster sophomore NHL season, filled with flashes of brilliance, frustrating stretches, and undeniable promise.
Canada sees him as a core piece not just for this tournament, but for their future Olympic plans. This will be a proving ground for Fantilli to show he can dominate on an international scale. With his mix of speed, power, and high-end hockey IQ, he’s primed to take on a top-six role for the Canadians.
> “It’s about taking the next step,” Fantilli said before boarding his flight to Europe. “This is another big test, and I want to prove I belong on the world stage.”
2. Elvis Merzļikins – Latvia
Love him or loathe him, Elvis Merzļikins remains one of the most polarizing figures in Columbus—and one of the most beloved back home in Latvia. Merzļikins has a history of turning in electric performances at the Worlds, often playing far above his NHL numbers.
Latvia shocked the world with a bronze medal in 2023. Now, with a solid squad returning and Elvis back in net, they’ll look to repeat the magic. For Merzļikins, this may be more than just pride—it’s a reset button after a tumultuous year in Columbus that saw him lose and regain the starting job multiple times.
> “Elvis and Latvia at the Worlds? It’s a different beast,” said former NHL goalie and Latvian national coach Artūrs Irbe. “He feeds off that energy.”
3. Yegor Chinakhov – Russia (Competing under “Neutral Athletes” banner)
Due to ongoing international sanctions, Russian players will once again compete as Neutral Athletes, but that hasn’t stopped Yegor Chinakhov from accepting the call. The speedy winger ended the season strong with Columbus, posting 15 goals and showcasing improved two-way play.
Chinakhov sees this tournament as an opportunity to elevate his status heading into a contract year. With Russia (or the Neutral Athletes) expected to ice a very skilled team, look for Chinakhov to slot in as a top-nine forward with power play duties.
4. David Jiricek – Czechia
If there’s one player Columbus fans absolutely must keep their eyes on, it’s David Jiricek. The towering defenseman had a strong rookie campaign, flashing signs of future top-pair potential. Now, he returns to the Czech national team to log big minutes and likely quarterback a power play unit.
The Czechs are loaded with NHL talent and play an aggressive puck-possession style—perfect for Jiricek’s offensive instincts. This could be the tournament that solidifies his reputation as a star-in-the-making.
> “David has the poise of a 30-year-old veteran,” said Czech head coach Radim Rulík. “He’s ready to lead.”
5. Kirill Marchenko – Russia (Neutral Athletes)
Joining Chinakhov is fellow Russian winger Kirill Marchenko, who quietly became one of Columbus’s most consistent goal-scorers this past season. His ability to find soft areas in the slot and bury pucks quickly earned him respect in Columbus—and now he’ll bring that goal touch overseas.
Marchenko will be leaned on heavily for offense and could be a breakout star of the tournament if he clicks with Russia’s high-end centers. Columbus should hope he builds confidence and continues his upward trajectory.
6. Samuel Knazko – Slovakia
A bit of a dark horse name on this list, Samuel Knazko is getting his shot with Team Slovakia after spending most of the season in the AHL. While not a household name, Knazko impressed during his call-ups and has been praised for his smart, efficient play.
Slovakia is a young team looking to build toward the future, and this experience could be invaluable for Knazko. If he performs well, it might open the door for him to compete for a bottom-pairing spot in Columbus next season.
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Why This Tournament Matters to the Blue Jackets’ Future
For a franchise in the midst of a rebuild—or a “retool,” depending on who you ask—the IIHF Worlds provides something that’s sometimes hard to come by in Columbus: hope.
Here’s why:
Development in Pressure Environments: Playing in international tournaments tests a player’s composure, skill, and adaptability. These games are high-stakes, especially for hockey-mad countries like Canada, Czechia, and Latvia.
Chemistry and Confidence: Young players like Fantilli, Jiricek, and Chinakhov need to feel like stars. Scoring goals and logging big minutes in Europe can provide the confidence boost they bring back to training camp.
Scouting Tool for Management: GM Don Waddell (or whoever holds that title come June) will be watching closely. Performance on the international stage can shape offseason decisions—especially for fringe players or potential trade chips.
Building a Culture of Winning: Even if it’s not in the NHL yet, success on the world stage begins to instill a sense of winning culture. Just ask the Devils, Senators, or Sabres—teams who’ve seen their players dominate at the Worlds before hitting their NHL strides.
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Closing Thoughts: A Rare Bright Spot in a Long Offseason
The 2024–25 NHL season wasn’t what the Blue Jackets wanted. It was another year of growing pains, inconsistent play, and questions about leadership and direction. But as fans turn their attention to the draft lottery and offseason moves, this upcoming IIHF World Championship offers something refreshing:
A chance to watch the future shine.
Whether it’s Fantilli dazzling for Canada, Merzļikins thrilling Latvian fans, or Jiricek patrolling the Czech blue line with confidence, these six players carry Columbus’s pride with them to Europe.
So set your alarms early, tune into the games, and root for more than just gold medals—root for growth. The Jackets might not be raising banners yet, but seeds are being planted on the international ice.
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Follow the journey of the Blue Jackets abroad with daily recaps and analysis here on the blog. The road back to relevance may start in Stockholm.