| abstract | - The 2011–12 Columbus Blue Jackets season is the 12th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 25, 1997. The Blue Jackets finished the season as the last place team the first time in franchise history and marking the third straight year that they missed the playoffs. Despite having the statistically best chance to have the number one draft pick, after their last place finish, they lost the lottery to the Edmonton Oilers and received the second pick in the draft. The Blue Jackets began the year with the worst start in franchise history and the worst start to an NHL season in 19 years. After an 11–25–5 start head coach Scott Arniel was fired replaced by assistant coach Todd Richards. The poor season prompted several personnel changes including the trade of 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. The team was involved in a controversial loss to the Los Angeles Kings, when the Staples Center clock appeared to freeze at 1.8 seconds allowing the Kings time to score the tying goal, before winning in overtime. During the season Columbus managed only two winning streaks of three or more games. One of which came towards the end of the year helping the Blue Jackets finish with 65 points, the third worst point total in franchise history.
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