Exploring the Legacy of Jersey #62 Worn by Blue Jackets Players

The Columbus Blue Jackets have seen just four players don the #62 jersey in their 25-year history, and in an unusual twist, three of those players have worn it since 2023. While the number hasn’t been associated with major impact players in the franchise’s relatively brief existence, it remains to be seen if that will change in the future.

First up is Alex Broadhurst, who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the seventh round, 199th overall in 2011. Broadhurst made his way to Columbus on June 30, 2015, in a trade that also brought Brandon Saad and Michael Paliotta to the Blue Jackets in exchange for Artem Anisimov and others. He played only two games for Columbus during the 2017-18 season but found success in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters, totaling 132 points over 229 games. In 2019, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets and later spent time with the San Diego Gulls before venturing to Europe, where he played in Liiga and the KHL. He is currently signed with the Fischtown Pinguins of the DEL for the 2026-27 season.

Next, there’s Samuel Kňažko, selected by Columbus in the third round, 78th overall in the 2020 draft. Described by Elite Prospects as a defenseman with refined passing skills and notable mobility, Kňažko struggled to find his place within the Blue Jackets, particularly since they had a surplus of left-shot defensemen. After just two NHL games and three seasons with the Monsters, he became a free agent and opted to return to Czechia to play for HC Vítkovice. He is also expected to represent Czechia in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.

Finally, Kevin Labanc, a former sixth-round pick of the San Jose Sharks in 2014, signed with Columbus on October 5, 2024. Labanc had spent eight seasons with the Sharks and was on a PTO with the New Jersey Devils before joining the Blue Jackets. He played 34 games during the 2024-25 season, scoring 2 goals and accumulating 12 points. While injury limited his contributions, he showed flashes of potential, particularly in his first five games. Currently, Labanc does not hold an NHL contract but has drawn interest from overseas after playing for the Shanghai Dragons in the KHL last season; he is set to join SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in Switzerland next season.

As it stands, no players are lined up to wear #62 in the near future for the Blue Jackets, but history suggests that someone will eventually step into the role and potentially leave a mark on the franchise.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.