Columbus Blue Jackets 2024-25 schedule announced.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The 2024-25 NHL season is a few months away and the Columbus Blue Jackets' schedule is now set.

Columbus will open its season on Oct. 10 when they face the Minnesota Wild on the road at 8 p.m. The team's home opener at Nationwide Arena will be against the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.

The most notable game on the team's schedule that was known before Tuesday's announcement is the outdoor game at Ohio Stadium on Mar. 1, 2025 against the Detroit Red Wings. A game time has yet to be announced.

The Blue Jackets will also play in Salt Lake City for the first time as they face the relocated Utah Hockey Club, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, on Jan. 31. Columbus will host Utah on Feb. 6.

Among the games on significant dates include a road game at the San Jose Sharks on Election Day, a Black Friday afternoon game at home against the Calgary Flames, and a New Year's Eve matchup in Columbus against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Blue Jackets are looking to make their first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance since the 2019-20 season. Columbus has finished last in the Metropolitan Division the past two seasons.

Columbus also announced on Tuesday that Steve Mears will take over as its new television play-by-play announcer after the retirement of Jeff Rimer. Mears graduated from Bowling Green State and comes to the Jackets job after serving as a host on NHL Network and calling games for the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders.