Ryan Lomberg is making sure he is getting a head start with his new team, the Columbus Blue Jackets .
Lomberg, a Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers in 2024, has been on the ice in Columbus with his new mates this week and met with the media on Thursday at Nationwide Arena.
After signing a two year deal worth $1.3 million annually with the Jackets after two seasons with the Calgary Flames , Lomberg says he is going to be himself.
And, really, that is what the Jackets expect from the sparkplug forward.
"I'm just going to come in and be myself,'' said Lomberg, who moved into his new home outside Columbus with his family on Monday. "It's kind of part of who I am. I like to be positive. I like to encourage my teammates up and kind of pick guys up, do anything I can to help the team win.
"For me, the only thing that matters is winning. That's why I am here. This group is right on the edge of taking that next step. I am looking forward to doing anything I can to help them take that next step.''
Lomberg was a fan favorite during his time with the Panthers, with Bill Zitosaying upon signing him in 2020 that "our fans are going to love this guy.''
And they certainly did.
Lomberg is a player who is willing to do anything to get an edge, saying Thursday that he is looking forward to playing under coach Rick Bownesswho famously said after Columbus' lackluster end to the season that his goal was to change the culture of the team.
Brining in a guy like Lomberg can certainly help that.
"As far as my role goes, I am a yes man,'' Lomberg said. "Whatever [Bowness] needs out of me, I am willing and capable to do.''
Lomberg does have some ties to Ohio, playing for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL before originally joining the Flames organization.
He also joins former Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson in Columbus, and knows Mathieu Olivier all too well.
The two last fought in 2024 while Lomberg was with the Flames.
One of the fights that turned Lomberg into a bit of a cult hero while with the Panthers came against then-Columbus forward Kole Sherwood during the 2021 season.
Now, Lomberg is on their side.
"I hope he's happy, too,'' Lomberg said when asked about joining forces with Olivier. "He said he was. It is one of those things where it has been a while since I played with someone as tough as he is. …
"I'll go off of his lead. I am looking forward to something coming up and looking at him and being like 'You want me to take this one Big Boy, or are you going to take it?' See what he says.''
The Panthers visit Lomberg and the Blue Jackets on Oct. 13 with Columbus playing its lone game of the season in Sunrise on March 30.
NHL Free Agency: Opened July 1
Panthers Rookie Camp/Tournament: Late August/Early Sept.; Site TBA
Panthers Training Camp: Early/Mid September; Fort Lauderdale
Panthers Preseason (Four Games): Starts Sept. 20 vs. Carolina Hurricanes
2026-27 NHL Season Opener: Florida at Carolina Hurricanes; Sept. 29, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
2026-27 NHL Home Opener: Minnesota Wild at Florida; Oct. 10, 6 p.m. (Scripps)
This article: Ryan Lomberg: 'Going to Be Myself' with the Columbus Blue Jackets originally appeared on Florida Hockey Now.
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