Aaron Portzline
@aportzline.bsky.social
I cover the NHL and Columbus Blue Jackets for The Athletic. Sportswriting since 1986.
Told #CBJ granted permission for assistant coach Scott Ford to interview during the break with Brown U. for its men's hockey vacancy.
Further conversations coming b/w GM Don Waddell and coach Rick Bowness if Ford is offered the job.
@MarkDivver first reported Brown/Ford talks.
Further conversations coming b/w GM Don Waddell and coach Rick Bowness if Ford is offered the job.
@MarkDivver first reported Brown/Ford talks.
February 16, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Told #CBJ granted permission for assistant coach Scott Ford to interview during the break with Brown U. for its men's hockey vacancy.
Further conversations coming b/w GM Don Waddell and coach Rick Bowness if Ford is offered the job.
@MarkDivver first reported Brown/Ford talks.
Further conversations coming b/w GM Don Waddell and coach Rick Bowness if Ford is offered the job.
@MarkDivver first reported Brown/Ford talks.
#CBJ Zach Werenski opened scoring for Team USA on Sunday in a 5-1 win over Germany.
Werenski’s goal is the first-ever for USA by a #CBJ player, and the first goal by a Jackets’ player in the Olympics since Feb. 24, 2010, when Rick Nash scored in Canada’s 7-3 win over Russia.
Werenski’s goal is the first-ever for USA by a #CBJ player, and the first goal by a Jackets’ player in the Olympics since Feb. 24, 2010, when Rick Nash scored in Canada’s 7-3 win over Russia.
February 15, 2026 at 11:08 PM
The two #CBJ Olympians - Zach Werenski (USA) and Elvis Merzlikins (Latvia) - face each other today in the Olympic opener for both countries. Puck drop in about 30 minutes.
February 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM
The two #CBJ Olympians - Zach Werenski (USA) and Elvis Merzlikins (Latvia) - face each other today in the Olympic opener for both countries. Puck drop in about 30 minutes.
#CBJ confirm that F Sean Monahan left Saturday’s win in St. Louis due to illness, not as a result of the first-period hit by #StlBlues Brayden Schenn.
Apparently, a sickness has been creeping about the room lately. Mathieu Olivier was able to play through it on Friday in Chicago.
Apparently, a sickness has been creeping about the room lately. Mathieu Olivier was able to play through it on Friday in Chicago.
February 1, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves “absolutely huge” as #CBJ hold on, barely, for 5-3 win over #stlblues
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves ‘absolutely huge’ in third period to seal win over Blues
The Blue Jackets are on their hottest streak of the season, and now they're closing out games ... even when it's not pretty.
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:32 AM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves “absolutely huge” as #CBJ hold on, barely, for 5-3 win over #stlblues
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves “absolutely huge” as #CBJ hold on, barely, for 5-3 win over #stlblues
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves ‘absolutely huge’ in third period to seal win over Blues
The Blue Jackets are on their hottest streak of the season, and now they're closing out games ... even when it's not pretty.
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:32 AM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves “absolutely huge” as #CBJ hold on, barely, for 5-3 win over #stlblues
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
#CBJ, winners of 9 of 10, have jumped to ninth in East, only four points out of a playoff spot.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
The Athletic: Sean Monahan’s clutch goal, with just 3:28 remaining and only 1:18 after #CBJ surrendered a two-goal lead, helps the Blue Jackets pull away from #LetsGoFlyers
Jackets jump 3 teams in standings, improve to 6-1 under Rick Bowness with 5-3 win.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Jackets jump 3 teams in standings, improve to 6-1 under Rick Bowness with 5-3 win.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Sean Monahan's clutch goal keeps Blue Jackets rolling under Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:23 PM
The Athletic: Sean Monahan’s clutch goal, with just 3:28 remaining and only 1:18 after #CBJ surrendered a two-goal lead, helps the Blue Jackets pull away from #LetsGoFlyers
Jackets jump 3 teams in standings, improve to 6-1 under Rick Bowness with 5-3 win.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Jackets jump 3 teams in standings, improve to 6-1 under Rick Bowness with 5-3 win.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
The Athletic: Mason Marchment’s third career hat trick, and big nights from Adam Fantilli and Charlie Coyle buoy Blue Jackets in 8-5 win over #GoBolts.
#CBJ have won six of their last seven, now 5-1-0 under coach Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
#CBJ have won six of their last seven, now 5-1-0 under coach Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Mason Marchment continues to impress after trade as Blue Jackets keep rolling
Marchment's third career hat trick led the way for the resurgent Blue Jackets, who beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 8-5 on Saturday,
www.nytimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:53 PM
The Athletic: Mason Marchment’s third career hat trick, and big nights from Adam Fantilli and Charlie Coyle buoy Blue Jackets in 8-5 win over #GoBolts.
#CBJ have won six of their last seven, now 5-1-0 under coach Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
#CBJ have won six of their last seven, now 5-1-0 under coach Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
The Athletic: Jet Greaves’ 28-save shutout makes Zach Werenski’s early goal stand, and #CBJ cap Charlie Coyle’s 1,000th-game celebration with a 1-0 win over #TexasHockey
“It’s a big night for Charlie. We love that we won the game for him.” - Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
“It’s a big night for Charlie. We love that we won the game for him.” - Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Jet Greaves' shutout helps Blue Jackets celebrate Charlie Coyle's 1,000th game in style
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:43 AM
The Athletic: Jet Greaves’ 28-save shutout makes Zach Werenski’s early goal stand, and #CBJ cap Charlie Coyle’s 1,000th-game celebration with a 1-0 win over #TexasHockey
“It’s a big night for Charlie. We love that we won the game for him.” - Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
“It’s a big night for Charlie. We love that we won the game for him.” - Rick Bowness
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
The Athletic: Rick Bowness trying to light a fire under #CBJ players after costly slow starts
“Listen, no one forced them to sign these contracts. They signed a pro contract to be a pro hockey player. All right, there’s responsibility that comes with it.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
“Listen, no one forced them to sign these contracts. They signed a pro contract to be a pro hockey player. All right, there’s responsibility that comes with it.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
On the job a week, Bowness sees flaws in Blue Jackets' preparation, competitiveness
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:06 PM
The Athletic: Rick Bowness trying to light a fire under #CBJ players after costly slow starts
“Listen, no one forced them to sign these contracts. They signed a pro contract to be a pro hockey player. All right, there’s responsibility that comes with it.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
“Listen, no one forced them to sign these contracts. They signed a pro contract to be a pro hockey player. All right, there’s responsibility that comes with it.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The Athletic: Elvis Merzlikins, quirky as ever, back in good graces under new #CBJ coach Rick Bowness
Merzlikins’ puck-in-play water break vs. #LetsGoPens might be a first.
“I told the guys, I’ve been around the league 50 years and I’ve never seen that.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Merzlikins’ puck-in-play water break vs. #LetsGoPens might be a first.
“I told the guys, I’ve been around the league 50 years and I’ve never seen that.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Blue Jackets' Elvis Merzlikins, quirky as ever, back in good graces under Bowness
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:42 PM
The Athletic: Elvis Merzlikins, quirky as ever, back in good graces under new #CBJ coach Rick Bowness
Merzlikins’ puck-in-play water break vs. #LetsGoPens might be a first.
“I told the guys, I’ve been around the league 50 years and I’ve never seen that.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Merzlikins’ puck-in-play water break vs. #LetsGoPens might be a first.
“I told the guys, I’ve been around the league 50 years and I’ve never seen that.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Rick Bowness exudes contagious confidence - what you need to know
2. Charlie Coyle on milestone watch this week
3. Snacks: 14 coaches, (not quite) 25 seasons; Kirill Marchenko finally stopped; #CBJ trivia, etc
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
1. Rick Bowness exudes contagious confidence - what you need to know
2. Charlie Coyle on milestone watch this week
3. Snacks: 14 coaches, (not quite) 25 seasons; Kirill Marchenko finally stopped; #CBJ trivia, etc
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: New hire Rick Bowness exudes a contagious confidence
www.nytimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 11:09 AM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Rick Bowness exudes contagious confidence - what you need to know
2. Charlie Coyle on milestone watch this week
3. Snacks: 14 coaches, (not quite) 25 seasons; Kirill Marchenko finally stopped; #CBJ trivia, etc
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
1. Rick Bowness exudes contagious confidence - what you need to know
2. Charlie Coyle on milestone watch this week
3. Snacks: 14 coaches, (not quite) 25 seasons; Kirill Marchenko finally stopped; #CBJ trivia, etc
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
The Athletic: Veterans Boone Jenner (Gordie Howe hat trick) and Charlie Coyle (two goals) lead #CBJ to 5-3 win over #Flames in coach Rick Bowness’ debut
Bowness: “Their job is to come and compete. And my eyes told me tonight that we competed very hard.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Bowness: “Their job is to come and compete. And my eyes told me tonight that we competed very hard.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Boone Jenner’s big night helps Blue Jackets deliver a win in Rick Bowness’ debut
Bowness made a loud impression behind the bench as the Blue Jackets withstood two comeback attempts by the Flames.
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:20 AM
The Athletic: Veterans Boone Jenner (Gordie Howe hat trick) and Charlie Coyle (two goals) lead #CBJ to 5-3 win over #Flames in coach Rick Bowness’ debut
Bowness: “Their job is to come and compete. And my eyes told me tonight that we competed very hard.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Bowness: “Their job is to come and compete. And my eyes told me tonight that we competed very hard.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. GM Don Waddell’s “most frustrating year”
2. Mathieu Olivier v. Ryan Reaves fight steeped in mutual respect
3. Snacks: Erik Gudbranson update, Dmitri Voronkov’s OT winner, Egor Zamula’s decision, trivia, etc.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
1. GM Don Waddell’s “most frustrating year”
2. Mathieu Olivier v. Ryan Reaves fight steeped in mutual respect
3. Snacks: Erik Gudbranson update, Dmitri Voronkov’s OT winner, Egor Zamula’s decision, trivia, etc.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: GM Don Waddell calls this season his ‘most frustrating’
"It's on all of us. We should all be evaluated right now," Waddell said regarding his last-place team.
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:49 PM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. GM Don Waddell’s “most frustrating year”
2. Mathieu Olivier v. Ryan Reaves fight steeped in mutual respect
3. Snacks: Erik Gudbranson update, Dmitri Voronkov’s OT winner, Egor Zamula’s decision, trivia, etc.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
1. GM Don Waddell’s “most frustrating year”
2. Mathieu Olivier v. Ryan Reaves fight steeped in mutual respect
3. Snacks: Erik Gudbranson update, Dmitri Voronkov’s OT winner, Egor Zamula’s decision, trivia, etc.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
The Athletic: Dmitri Voronkov scores game-winning, power-play goal in OT as #CBJ end rough road trip with 3-2 win over #TusksUp
#CBJ played almost the entire game with five defensemen after Denton Mateychuk was injured early
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
#CBJ played almost the entire game with five defensemen after Denton Mateychuk was injured early
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Dmitri Voronkov’s OT winner helps Jackets beat Utah, end rough trip on high note
In a tense overtime, Voronkov redirected Werenski’s pass, ending Columbus’ four-game losing streak and sparking much-needed excitement.
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:01 PM
The Athletic: Dmitri Voronkov scores game-winning, power-play goal in OT as #CBJ end rough road trip with 3-2 win over #TusksUp
#CBJ played almost the entire game with five defensemen after Denton Mateychuk was injured early
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
#CBJ played almost the entire game with five defensemen after Denton Mateychuk was injured early
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
The Athletic: Can a shutout loss be a moral victory? For the slumping Blue Jackets against the scorching #GoAvsGo on Saturday, it sure sounded like it
#CBJ lost 4-0 in Bell Arena, now need a win Sunday in Salt Lake City to avoid a dreadful 4-game road trip
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
#CBJ lost 4-0 in Bell Arena, now need a win Sunday in Salt Lake City to avoid a dreadful 4-game road trip
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Can a shutout loss be a moral victory? For Blue Jackets against Avalanche, maybe
Columbus was somewhat satisfied with how it played in a 4-0 shutout loss to Colorado on Saturday.
www.nytimes.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:25 PM
The Athletic: Can a shutout loss be a moral victory? For the slumping Blue Jackets against the scorching #GoAvsGo on Saturday, it sure sounded like it
#CBJ lost 4-0 in Bell Arena, now need a win Sunday in Salt Lake City to avoid a dreadful 4-game road trip
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
#CBJ lost 4-0 in Bell Arena, now need a win Sunday in Salt Lake City to avoid a dreadful 4-game road trip
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
The Athletic: #CBJ seem powerless to stop #VegasBorn once they awakened after a slow start, fall 5-3 in T-Mobile
“It comes down to how hard you’re going to compete and how bad you want it, and I think that’s the biggest thing,” veteran center Sean Monahan
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
“It comes down to how hard you’re going to compete and how bad you want it, and I think that’s the biggest thing,” veteran center Sean Monahan
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Blue Jackets’ Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan seek ‘a little more’ after loss to Vegas
Columbus' identity — which was so clear and reliable last season — remains a mystery.
www.nytimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:21 PM
The Athletic: #CBJ seem powerless to stop #VegasBorn once they awakened after a slow start, fall 5-3 in T-Mobile
“It comes down to how hard you’re going to compete and how bad you want it, and I think that’s the biggest thing,” veteran center Sean Monahan
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
“It comes down to how hard you’re going to compete and how bad you want it, and I think that’s the biggest thing,” veteran center Sean Monahan
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
The Athletic: Everyone could feel it coming - the Blue Jackets, the Penguins, a sold out crowd in Nationwide Arena
But this #CBJ choke job actually started in the second period, when they fell to pieces against Sidney Crosby and #LetsGoPens
Final: 5-4, OT
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
But this #CBJ choke job actually started in the second period, when they fell to pieces against Sidney Crosby and #LetsGoPens
Final: 5-4, OT
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
True to form, Blue Jackets choke away late lead in frustrating OT loss to Penguins
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:59 AM
The Athletic: Everyone could feel it coming - the Blue Jackets, the Penguins, a sold out crowd in Nationwide Arena
But this #CBJ choke job actually started in the second period, when they fell to pieces against Sidney Crosby and #LetsGoPens
Final: 5-4, OT
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
But this #CBJ choke job actually started in the second period, when they fell to pieces against Sidney Crosby and #LetsGoPens
Final: 5-4, OT
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
The Athletic: #CBJ dial up checking, lean on Jet Greaves’ sterling goaltending to snap #Sabrehood 10-game win streak with 5-1 victory
“A team like that has a lot of confidence. You just have to meet it head-on, and we did that today.” - #CBJ Zach Werenski
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
“A team like that has a lot of confidence. You just have to meet it head-on, and we did that today.” - #CBJ Zach Werenski
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Blue Jackets dial up checking to snap Sabres’ 10-game win streak
Columbus made quick work of Buffalo, relying on five goal scorers and a sterling outing by goaltender Jet Greaves to win 5-1.
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:03 AM
The Athletic: #CBJ dial up checking, lean on Jet Greaves’ sterling goaltending to snap #Sabrehood 10-game win streak with 5-1 victory
“A team like that has a lot of confidence. You just have to meet it head-on, and we did that today.” - #CBJ Zach Werenski
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
“A team like that has a lot of confidence. You just have to meet it head-on, and we did that today.” - #CBJ Zach Werenski
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
The Athletic: Back In Action | Jarmo Kekäläinen has been in Nationwide Arena many times since he was fired by the Blue Jackets in February ‘24.
He returns today, however, as GM of the Buffalo #Sabrehood , the NHL’s hottest club with 10 straight wins.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
He returns today, however, as GM of the Buffalo #Sabrehood , the NHL’s hottest club with 10 straight wins.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Former Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekäläinen returns with Sabres, the NHL’s hottest team
Kekäläinen served as the Blue Jackets' general manager for 11 years before his dismissal in February 2024.
www.nytimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 11:10 AM
The Athletic: Back In Action | Jarmo Kekäläinen has been in Nationwide Arena many times since he was fired by the Blue Jackets in February ‘24.
He returns today, however, as GM of the Buffalo #Sabrehood , the NHL’s hottest club with 10 straight wins.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
He returns today, however, as GM of the Buffalo #Sabrehood , the NHL’s hottest club with 10 straight wins.
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
The Athletic: #CBJ defy a multitude of ready-made excuses ... no Werenski, no Monahan, brutal travel delays, back-to-back, etc.
Instead, the Jackets played one of their most impressive games all season, rolling #GoSensGo 4-1 thanks to another strong third.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Instead, the Jackets played one of their most impressive games all season, rolling #GoSensGo 4-1 thanks to another strong third.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Blue Jackets defy built-in excuses, finish strong again to beat Senators
After a travel nightmare and missing a veteran center, the Blue Jackets stepped up in the third period for the third straight game.
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 11:35 AM
The Athletic: #CBJ defy a multitude of ready-made excuses ... no Werenski, no Monahan, brutal travel delays, back-to-back, etc.
Instead, the Jackets played one of their most impressive games all season, rolling #GoSensGo 4-1 thanks to another strong third.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Instead, the Jackets played one of their most impressive games all season, rolling #GoSensGo 4-1 thanks to another strong third.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...