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Aaron Portzline

@aportzline.bsky.social
2.8K followers 3 following 311 posts

I cover the NHL and Columbus Blue Jackets for The Athletic. Sportswriting since 1986.

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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Athletic: #CBJ, #LeafsForever discussing blockbuster trade involving Kirill Marchenko on eve of 2026-27 season The Blue Jackets have given Toronto permission to negotiate a contract extension with Marchenko, who is a restricted free agent next summer www.nytimes.com/athletic/764...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets, Kirill Marchenko discussing potential trade to Maple Leafs: Source (Gift Article)
Marchenko was granted permission to speak to the Leafs about a possible contract extension on Monday afternoon.
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Tom Reed @tomba1919.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
One of the most entertaining halves of soccer I’ve seen this year at any level. #Crew96 w/ good response after Messi’s outrageous free kick. Favorite moment of half was Messi and Santi Rodrigues going nose to nose for about 20 seconds. For a moment I thought I was watching a Stanley Cup playoff game
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. Marchenko wants out, but Waddell isn’t desperate to deal him 2. #CBJ trying to sign D Carson Soucy; other roster moves pending 3. Snacks: Fantilli return shifts lines, Greaves primed and ready, CBJ trivia, etc www.nytimes.com/athletic/763...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Marchenko might want out, but Waddell isn’t desperate (Gift Article)
Marchenko is available, but only if the Blue Jackets get immediate scoring help in return for the high-scoring 26-year-old.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Athletic: Finally! #CBJ and Adam Fantilli agree to a six-year, $82.5 million contract, ending a saga that dragged through summer and eight days into training camp www.nytimes.com/athletic/742...
nytimes.com
Adam Fantilli signs 6-year, $13.75 million AAV contract with Columbus Blue Jackets (Gift Article)
Fantilli, drafted by Columbus No. 3 in 2023, recorded 24 goals and 35 assists in 82 games this season.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#CBJ have cut 9 players, including the 3 on waivers: Others: G Evan Gardner, F Josh Eernisse, Jordan Dumais and Luca Pinelli, and D Luca Marrelli and Boston Buckberger sent to AHL Cleveland. F Riley Bezeau and D Caleb MacDonald listed as injured non-roster. Roster now at 34.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Asked if #CBJ Damon Severson will be ready for Oct. 1 opener, Bowness: “We’re not there yet … at all. I talk to him every day. Every day he tells me he feels good. Every day we’re increasing the workload in terms of contact. But are we ready to say that? No. Not even close.”
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#CBJ send 4 players out of camp this morning: Fs Max McCue, Roman Ahcan and Tate Singleton have been sent to AHL Cleveland, which opens camp Wednesday. F Owen Griffith has been returned to OHL Guelph. Now 45 players - 24F, 15D, 6G - remain in camp. And still no Adam Fantilli.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. John H. McConnell’s ascension 2. Marchenko’s mandate 3. Two-game max is an issue for old and young 4. Snacks: Fantilli parked in Michigan, early forward lines, Severson’s return, AHL camp, #CBJ trivia, etc. www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: John H. McConnell II ascension could signal changes (Gift Article)
Also, what's the latest with Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko?
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
#CBJ will go over power play and penalty kill in today’s Day 5 of training camp. Between the two sessions, the two groups will scrimmage at 10 am in Nationwide. Why scrimmage? Bowness: “Let's see who's caught onto the little changes we've made (to our systems), and who hasn’t.”
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
“Bones” is barkin’ this morning. #CBJ coach Rick Bowness pushing the pace and not allowing cut corners during the early group on training camp Day 3. Snapped after a drill when he tired of players going offside. He wants attention to detail in addition to full effort.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The Athletic: When will Adam Fantilli join camp? Rick Bowness angered by two out-of-shape players. What are the early lines worth knowing? Here are the stories we’re watching closely during #CBJ training camp www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets training camp stories: Adam Fantilli’s arrival, out-of-shape players and more (Gift Article)
The biggest question facing Columbus at the moment is when Adam Fantilli will join the team.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The Athletic: After a drama-filled offseason, the Blue Jackets get back on the ice today with an opportunity to change the narrative around the franchise But No. 1 center Adam Fantilli still isn’t in camp. #CBJ www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...
nytimes.com
Still without Adam Fantilli, Blue Jackets set about changing narrative as camp dawns (Gift Article)
Some offseason issues remain, but the Blue Jackets finally got a chance to get back on the ice and put their tough summer behind them.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
#CBJ make the signing of veteran goalie Cam Talbot official. He’s heading to Columbus on Tuesday. GM Don Waddell: “(Talbot) is a big, smart, fundamentally sound goaltender who has won a lot of games in (the NHL).  He is also a quality person, and … he’ll be a great addition.”
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. Unsigned Adam Fantilli at risk of missing start of camp 2. Prospect tourneys changing 3. Carson Soucy inks PTO 4. Snacks: Luca Pinelli hurting, Cbus hosting prospects in ‘28, @jrimerfla book, #CBJ EBUG, etc www.nytimes.com/athletic/758...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Will Adam Fantilli miss the start of training camp? (Gift Article)
"There's a bit of a difference right now," GM Don Waddell said of contract negotiations.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
#CBJ Jet Greaves throwing out the ceremonial first pitch tonight before the @CLBClippers game in picturesque Huntington Park. Asked which pitch from his dazzling repertoire he’ll be throwing, Greaves said it’s as yet undecided. “I hope I get it somewhere close to the catcher.”
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The Athletic: How to watch #CBJ games this season … and how much will it cost? NHL and six clubs, including the Blue Jackets, reach deal with Amazon Prime to stream all 82 non-nationally televised games www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...
nytimes.com
How to watch Blue Jackets games this season — and how much it will cost
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Tom Reed @tomba1919.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
On Bobby Rahal and the Denison connection that produced one of the sports world’s great partnership. denison.edu/campus/alumn...
denison.edu
Bobby Rahal ’75 and a friendship that became one of sports’ greatest partnerships | Article | Denison University
The Indy 500 champion and marketing guru Richard Strup ’74 leaned on their Denison friendship to change the game in sports partnerships.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The Athletic: Portzline | #CBJ have been given a pass for their on-ice struggles by many fans through the years. They’d better be careful. Handling of radio voice Bob McElligott, writer Jeff Svoboda have angered the most ardent fans and tarnished an image. www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets say they ‘understand’ fan discontent, but goodwill doesn’t last forever (Gift Article)
Team president Mike Priest said the team doesn't take fan support "for granted," but recent decisions have raised significant ire.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
The Athletic: Is hockey on the radio a dying art? Veteran broadcasters worry about its future The Blue Jackets, who let radio voice Bob McElligott walk after 17 years behind the mic, will be the fifth NHL club to simulcast its TV broadcast this season #CBJ www.nytimes.com/athletic/748...
nytimes.com
Is NHL hockey on the radio a dying art? Veteran broadcasters worry about its future (Gift Article)
Five teams now have gone to a radio-TV simulcast. What's behind the change, and what are listeners missing?
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Nothing says “Halifax, Nova Scotia” quite like interviewing a person with your recording device resting on a stack of lobster cages.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Told there’s nothing happening with #CBJ on the Kirill Marchenko front, despite rumors out of Russia to the contrary. Not saying it can’t change later this summer. But my understanding is #CBJ have not had calls on Marchenko since earlier this summer.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
#CBJ sign F Danton Heinen to a one-year, two-way contract. NHL: $1 million AHL: $550,000 Guarantee: $700,000
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
#CBJ still in talks with G Jet Greaves in the hope of reaching agreement on a long-term contract before Thursday's arbitration hearing. In lieu of a deal, GM Don Waddell / two others from the front office will fly to Toronto this evening. The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. RFAs, like #CBJ Adam Fantilli, now have enormous power/leverage 2. Arbitration is no longer such a feared process 3. Snacks: key #CBJ AHLers will need waivers, 2026-27 schedule out Thursday, new numbers, etc www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: RFAs, like Adam Fantilli, have gained enormous power (Gift Article)
Offer sheets are reshaping the NHL's RFA market, and the Blue Jackets are watching closely amid Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko talks.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
www.nytimes.com/athletic/742...
nytimes.com
Ryan Lomberg vows to bring relentless energy, volume after signing with Blue Jackets (Gift Article)
Lomberg knows "Mathieu Olivier's right fist pretty well" as his opponent and is excited to have the heavyweight on his side in Columbus.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
#CBJ sign D Colton White, 29, to a two-year, two-way contract. He’s played in the NHL w New Jersey and Anaheim. 2026-27 NHL: $850k AHL: $300k Guarantee: $350k 2027-28 NHL: $900k AHL: $300k Guarantee: $350k
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. After summer adds / exits, a projected #CBJ lineup 2. RFA waiting game 3. Fare thee well, Boone Jenner 4. Snacks: Lundeström’s Achilles, coach in waiting?, the next captain, Bootland joins AHL Cleveland, etc. www.nytimes.com/athletic/742...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: After summer moves, projecting the 2026-27 lineup (Gift Article)
There's a chance that the Blue Jackets' lineup is currently settled, once they get all of their restricted free agents signed.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
#CBJ G Jet Greaves and F Cole Sillinger, both restricted free agents, have until 5 pm ET today to file for arbitration. So far, neither has, but still 4+ hours to go. If they file, they’re no longer eligible for an offer sheet. RFA F Adam Fantilli is not eligible for arbitration.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets, Zach Werenski reach a peaceful accord two days after he was nearly traded to the Dallas Stars But urgency to win now is heightened for #CBJ www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets, Werenski reach peaceful accord, but urgency to win is heightened
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The Athletic: Zach Werenski nixes trade to Dallas Stars, sends #CBJ GM Don Waddell back to the drawing board #LeafsForever and #GoBolts appear to be favored landing spots of Werenski, who can veto any trade - as seen - with his no-move clause www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...
nytimes.com
Zach Werenski vetoes trade to Stars, open to landing with Maple Leafs or Lightning: Sources (Gift Article)
The proposed package from the Stars included defenseman Thomas Harley, who is just starting an eight-year contract extension.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
All sessions are open.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
www.nytimes.com/athletic/740...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: The many questions surrounding Zach Werenski’s situation (Gift Article)
The issues involving Werenski and Kirill Marchenko already are dominating Columbus' offseason.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
The Athletic: #CBJ GM Don Waddell is listening to trade offers for reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski. He wants immediate roster help, not draft picks / prospects. Here are eight destinations to consider if Werenski is traded, with @shaynagoldman_ www.nytimes.com/athletic/740...
nytimes.com
Eight possible destinations if the Blue Jackets decide to trade Zach Werenski
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Bluesky @bsky.app · 25/06/2026
In honor of reaching 45 million accounts on Bluesky, we will now shout out every Bluesky user individually 🧵 (1/45,000,000)
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The Athletic: Read this quickly. It can change dramatically in the chaos that is this summer’s NHL. What I’m hearing about #CBJ Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins and others as the Blue Jackets head into pivotal stretch of the offseason. www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...
nytimes.com
What I'm hearing about Blue Jackets' Werenski, Marchenko as NHL offseason turns chaotic
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. Tkachuk trade only adds to Zach Werenski “noise” 2. 3 players #CBJ might consider in Friday’s first round 3. UFAs set to hit market 4. Snacks: Coaches update, Ivanov on hold, QOs due, trivia and more www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Tkachuk trade only intensifies Werenski speculation
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Former #CBJ Nick Foligno, most recently w #mnwild, hasn’t yet settled on his plans for next season, he said. Foligno, 38, is a pending UFA, but has already begun offseason workouts and will see what develops on and after July 1.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. Edmonton’s mess is now Columbus’ burden 2. No contract buyouts for #CBJ 3. Coyle’s contract includes new no-move clause wrinkle 4. Snacks: top prospects expected at development camp, Evason open to AHL, etc. www.nytimes.com/athletic/735...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Edmonton's messy Babcock situation looms over Columbus' summer
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The Athletic: Mike Babcock and the Blue Jackets | This is what the NHL will investigate Thru a quarter-century in the NHL, the #CBJ experience with Babcock - he was fired before running a single practice - is among the most bizarre, unfortunate interludes. www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...
nytimes.com
Mike Babcock and the Blue Jackets: This is what the NHL will investigate
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering 1. Dylan Larkin unlikely for #CBJ, but pressure mounts to win 2. RFA’s slow-rolling second contracts 3. Coach carousel churns 4. Snacks: No. 14 pick available, Sergei Ivanov talks, Egor Zamula to KHL?, and more www.nytimes.com/athletic/733...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Dylan Larkin unlikely in Columbus, but pressure mounts to win (Gift Article)
Larkin and Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski are close friends, but would the Blue Jackets make Larkin's trade list?
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets mailbag, Part 1 What can #CBJ GM Don Waddell do to improve a middling roster? Is adding a top-6 player a pipe dream? Which UFAs are staying? Where do RFA talks stand? Why has Waddell spared his scouting staff after Lindstrom? www.nytimes.com/athletic/732...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets mailbag, Part 1: How can Waddell make big improvements? Who’s staying? Who’s going? (Gift Article)
What is Columbus' plan in goal? Will the playoff drought end next season?
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Stanley Cup contender checklist Zach Werenski is a star. Jet Greaves looks like a No. 1. But for #CBJ to join the beasts in the East, Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko must elevate among the NHL’s top forwards w @domluszczyszyn www.nytimes.com/athletic/732...
nytimes.com
Blue Jackets Stanley Cup contender checklist: Columbus needs Fantilli to take the leap (Gift Article)
The Blue Jackets have plenty of holes at the top of their lineup, but they also have players who could potentially level up.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Now that AHL Cleveland has been eliminated from the playoffs - they lost Game 5 to @TorontoMarlies on Sunday - I would expect an announcement in coming days that Trent Vogelhuber will be promoted from @monstershockey head coach to join Rick Bowness’ staff as a #CBJ assistant.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
#CBJ have settled in for a long offseason. Let’s talk about it. Putting together a Blue Jackets mailbag, and it’s your questions that set the conversation. Hit me up here - at the link or just here on Bluesky, and I’ll get to as many as possible. www.nytimes.com/athletic/730...
nytimes.com
Submit your questions here for Aaron Portzline’s Blue Jackets mailbag
What do you want to know about the Blue Jackets heading into an intriguing summer?
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Told goaltender Ivan Fedotov has left AHL Cleveland and returned to Russia with an undisclosed injury. He had moments with @monstershockey this season, but lost his way and lost the job to Zach Sawchenko. Fedotov, 29, was 23-16-6 with an .887 save %. He’s UFA on July 1. #CBJ
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
The Athletic: “A giant in Ohio hockey” | #CBJ, greater hockey world mourn the death of longtime Blue Jackets’ broadcaster, ambassador Bill Davidge With comments, tributes from George Matthews, Nick Foligno, Dave Maetzold, others Will be updated. #dapper www.nytimes.com/athletic/729...
nytimes.com
‘A giant in Ohio hockey’: Blue Jackets mourn death of scout, broadcaster Bill Davidge (Gift Article)
Davidge, a longtime TV and radio analyst, was one of Columbus' first employees.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
The Athletic: Analysis | It’s beginning to look as if #CBJ captain Boone Jenner might get squeezed out of the mix in Columbus Jenner, who turns 33 next month, has fired his longtime agent, just six weeks before free agency. www.nytimes.com/athletic/728...
nytimes.com
Don’t be surprised if Boone Jenner isn’t back with Blue Jackets next season (Gift Article)
The more you look at the dynamics in play, the harder it is to see a clear spot where Jenner is a fit with Columbus.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
This was written almost 6 years ago. At that point, John Tortorella had been fined $162,000 by the NHL, not including wages lost to suspensions. Today’s fine - $100,000 - puts him over $250k, and doesn’t include the 5-year gap. That’s a lotta puppy chow. www.nytimes.com/athletic/202...
nytimes.com
The Tortorella rap sheet: Blue Jackets coach has been sanctioned 15 times by NHL (Gift Article)
From questioning officials to cursing out opposing coaches, the Columbus boss has been fined around $200,000 over the years.
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
This week’s Front & Nationwide, with special guest #CBJ and national NHL broadcaster Jody Shelley, is now available on @YouTube Charlie Coyle’s big new deal. How close are the Blue Jackets? @shelleyhawk45 weighs in Like. Subscribe. Comment. Share. Enjoy! youtu.be/mJ1zUOpwNbw?...
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Aaron Portzline @aportzline.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Best I can tell, 20+ NHL teams are looking for a big-minute, offensive spark defenseman, and/or a top-six two-way center, and/or and top-6 scoring winger with speed this offseason. That’s all. Just two or three of those rare-air, hard-to-find, might-have-to-draft-em players.
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