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.