The Columbus Blue Jackets have enhanced their offensive roster by acquiring forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche. This trade took place in 2025 and involves notable exchanges, including the Blue Jackets sending forward Gavin Brindley, their third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and a conditional second-round pick in 2027 to Colorado. The move aims to add experience and versatility, as announced by Don Waddell, Columbus Blue Jackets’ President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.
Details on Charlie Coyle’s Career and Impact
Charlie Coyle, a seasoned 33-year-old forward, has scored 189 goals and totaled 485 points across 950 career NHL games. His career includes stints with the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, and Minnesota Wild since his debut in the 2012-13 season. Coyle brings a strong two-way presence and has consistently contributed offensively, with five seasons exceeding 40 points and eleven campaigns with double-digit goals. In playoff action, he has accumulated 53 points in 126 appearances, reflecting his ability to perform under pressure.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Coyle is known for his versatility on ice, averaging nearly 17 minutes per game. In the 2024-25 season, split between Boston and Colorado, he registered 35 points and demonstrated steady performance with 115 shots on goal. Coyle’s peak season came in 2023-24 with the Bruins when he scored 25 goals and 60 points, including seven power-play goals across 82 games.
Before joining the NHL, Coyle played collegiate hockey at Boston University and junior hockey with the Saint John Sea Dogs. He was drafted 28th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2010. Additionally, he has represented the United States at various international tournaments, earning bronze medals at the 2015 IIHF World Championships and in the 2011 and 2012 World Junior Championships.
Miles Wood’s Background and Playing Style
Miles Wood, aged 29, brings a dynamic and energetic style to the Blue Jackets. Over 513 NHL games, he has collected 182 points, including 91 goals, and is recognized for his speed and physicality. Wood has spent much of his career with the Avalanche and New Jersey Devils, consistently contributing offensive output with five seasons of double-digit goals.
Originally drafted in the fourth round, 100th overall by the Devils in 2013, Wood has registered career highs in assists and points during recent seasons with Colorado and New Jersey. In 2024-25, he recorded 8 points in 37 games for the Avalanche, building on prior campaigns where he excelled in both scoring and physical play. Measuring 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Wood is also noted for his penalty minutes, which highlight his aggressive style on ice.
Wood played collegiate hockey at Boston College in 2015-16 before entering the NHL. Like Coyle, he has worn the United States jersey internationally, participating in the 2016 IIHF World Championships and the 2015 World Junior Championships.
Outgoing Player and Future Considerations
Gavin Brindley, the young forward traded to Colorado, was a second-round pick by the Blue Jackets in 2023 and saw limited NHL action with one game in the 2024 season. He played primarily in the American Hockey League with the Cleveland Monsters during his first professional season, demonstrating potential with 17 points in 52 games. Brindley’s development at the University of Michigan preceded his professional debut.
Management’s Perspective on the Trade
Don Waddell expressed optimism about the additions, emphasizing both players’ skills and character traits.
“We are very excited to welcome Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets family,”
he said.
“Charlie is an experienced, two-way player that adds size and versatility to our group, while Miles is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL who provides great energy and physicality. Beyond being outstanding players, both are high-character people who will fit in perfectly with our group and what we are building here in Columbus.”
—Don Waddell, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager
Significance and Expectations for the Blue Jackets
The acquisition of Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood marks a strategic effort by the Blue Jackets to add veteran presence and depth to their forward lineup, balancing skill, toughness, and experience. As the team prepares for upcoming seasons, these players are expected to contribute immediately by bolstering scoring options and on-ice versatility. This move signals the club’s commitment to competing at a higher level and building a cohesive, competitive roster moving forward.