page_title: 2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season
section_title: Milestones
hierarchical_section_title: 2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season / Milestones
caption_attribution_description: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Ryan Johansen prior to a game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, on November 29, 2011.
context_page_description: The 2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season was the team's 12th season in the National Hockey League. The Blue Jackets' record of 29–46–7 was the worst record in the NHL for 2011–12 and the first time in franchise history they finished in last place. It also marked the third straight year that they missed the playoffs. Consequently, they had the best chance to receive the first overall selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft lottery, but lost out to the Edmonton Oilers and received the second pick instead.
  The Blue Jackets began the year with the worst start in franchise history and the worst by any team in an NHL season in 19 years. After an 11–25–5 start, head coach Scott Arniel was fired and replaced by assistant coach Todd Richards. The poor season prompted several personnel changes, including the trade of All-Star forward Jeff Carter, who was acquired with much fanfare during the off-season. With the prospect of another rebuild looming the Blue Jackets' captain and best player, Rick Nash, requested to be traded, though he would remain with the team for the entire season.
context_section_description: When Mason was injured in warm-ups late in the year, Columbus was without an active goaltender on their roster. To remedy the situation, the team signed former University of Michigan goaltender Shawn Hunwick to a one-day, amateur tryout contract. After being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament just days prior, Hunwick skipped an astronomy class and drove his worn down 2003 Ford Ranger to Columbus to make the game. He served as the back-up to Allen York during the game, and the following day, he signed a contract for the remainder of the year. With Mason returning from injury, Hunwick was third on the team's depth chart when an injury to York allowed Hunwick to remain as the back-up for the final two games of the year. In the final game of the season, the Blue Jackets were leading the Islanders 7–3 with 2:33 remaining when, at the behest of his teammates, Head Coach Todd Richards put Hunwick in to finish the game. He did not face a shot. Hunwick was the franchise record ninth player to make his NHL debut during the season. Conversely, Vaclav Prospal played in his 1,000th NHL game during the year.
caption: Ryan Johansen was one of five players to score their first career goal in 2011–12.
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