It's nearly that time.
With preseason getting underway for the Blue Jackets on Sept. 21 against the Blues and the prospects tournament starting next week in Buffalo, we've been getting you set as we introduce the new players looking to make an impact for the Jackets this season as they make a playoff push.
In part one of our series, our Ed Francis previewed the forwards the Blue Jackets have brought in.
Now it's time to take a look at the defensemen who could play pivotal roles on the Blue Jackets' blue line this year.
President and general manager Don Waddell might not have made the big, bold, flashy moves over the offseason, but he did address the blue line by bringing in depth moves who could come up huge, namely re-signing Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro.
Remember, Fabbro parlayed an opportunity as a waiver pickup into a four-year, $16.5 million contract over the summer after finding success with Zach Werenski on the first pair. Similar success might not play out the same way with the names we dive into, but there is always a cast of characters who can become unsung heroes in more ways than one, whether in the NHL or the AHL.
Christian Jaros
Christian Jaros signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1. A 29-year-old, 6-foot-3, 222 lb, right-shot defenseman with 94 games of NHL experience under his belt, Jaros hasn't played in the league since 2021-22 with the Devils. He has 14 career points (one goal, 13 assists), including stops with the Senators and Sharks. Over the last three years, Jaros played in the KHL with Omsk Avangard, CSKA Moscow, and Cherepovets Severstal, and back with CSKA Moscow last season.
Don Waddell on signing of D Christian Jaros: He can play right now if we need him to be in the NHL. Hell compete for a job. Moves the puck well, plays hard."
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) July 1, 2025
Jaros and Daemon Hunt will compete with the seven NHL D under contract. #CBJ
Though it's been a while since Jaros laced up the skates in the NHL, he checks the boxes of what Waddell and head coach Dean Evason have quickly worked to assemble when it comes to the Blue Jackets roster: Size and strength. Particularly on the defensive side, with a size comparable to Erik Gudbranson's 6-foot-5, 222 lb frame. Throughout his KHL stint, including regular season and playoffs, Jaros registered 108 hits and 238 blocked shots.
Dysin Mayo
Dysin Mayo signed a one-year, two-way contract with Columbus on July 16. Mayo played with the Coyotes from 2021-23, scoring 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 82 career games. A 29-year-old, right-shot defenseman, Mayo checks in at 6-feet, 190 lb. He's also played in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners and the Henderson Silverknights.
Last season for Henderson, Mayo had 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 58 games. He was third on the club with 86 penalty minutes. Overall, across 426 career regular-season games in the AHL, Mayo has 97 points (29 goals, 68 assists) with 344 penalty minutes
With the Coyotes in 2021-22, Mayo was second among all NHL rookies with a single-season high of 133 blocked shots. His 129 hits were 11th among rookies.
Mayo will play in Cleveland this season and is sure to see some NHL time, depending on how the injury front affects the rotation.
Brendan Smith
Brendan Smith signed a pro tryout contract with the Blue Jackets on Aug. 19. Smith, a 36-year-old left-handed shot coming in at 6-foot-2, 200 lb, broke into the league in 2011-12 with the Red Wings, and also played for the Rangers, Hurricanes, Devils, and Stars. Smith has 144 career points (39 goals, 105 assists) in 726 career games.
#CBJ GM Don Waddell: "Brendan Smith is an experienced, physical blueliner that competes hard and is sound in the defensive zone."
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) August 19, 2025
Smith has a 39-105-144 line in 726 NHL games. Another name to watch when it comes to the D corps.
Looking to make good on his tryout opportunity, Smith is competing for a lower depth spot on the Jackets' back end, last occupied by Jack Johnson, who signed a PTO with the Wild.
