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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 41m

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Warm up for the #CBJ season opener, vs. Buffalo at the Nationwide Arena Thursday night, with the newest Jacket. Winger Matthew Knies will be playing on an all-Big Ten line with Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson. #bigtenhockey youtu.be/sy534Gs21Qo

The new guy: Matthew Knies after his first practice with Columbus

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 43m

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Warm up for the #CBJ season opener, vs. Buffalo at the Nationwied Arena Thursday night, with Zach Werenski. youtu.be/UW4W97MmsXU

Columbus D Zach Norris Werenski on rotating alternate captains

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 44m

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Warm up for the #CBJ season-opener - vs. Buffalo at the Nationwide Arena tomorrow night - with coach Rick Bowness. youtu.be/bLJsL-2vNI8

Columbus coach Rick Bowness: No "C" this season; "A"s will rotate

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 7h

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#CBJ coach Rick Bowness announced there will be no captain. Zach Werenski will wear an “A” all season and the other two “A”s will rotate. Each month, two new at home and on the road.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#CBJ stick Isac Lundestrom (Achilles) on LTIR to open cap space to sign D Carson Soucy, who was in camp as a PTO.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed veteran defenseman Carson Soucy to a one-year contract for $1.15 million, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today. In addition, the club has also placed forward Isac Lundestrom on long-term Injured Reserve.

Soucy, 32, has registered 32 goals and 67 assists for 99 points with 282 penalty minutes, 681 hits, 532 blocked shots, 468 shots on goal and a cumulative +54 plus/minus rating, while averaging 16:42 of ice time in 441 contests with the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Kraken and Minnesota Wild over eight NHL campaigns. He’s added 2-5-7 and 20 PIM in 38 Stanley Cup Playoffs appearances. He was originally selected by Minnesota in the fifth-round, 137th overall, at the 2013 NHL Draft.

“Carson has had an excellent camp and has earned this opportunity, and we are very pleased to add him to our group,” said Waddell. “He has good size and strength and will give us another steady, veteran presence on the blueline.”

A native of Viking, Alberta, Soucy posted 5-7-12 and 38 PIM in 76 contests split between the Rangers and Islanders in 2025-26. The season prior, he collected 4-9-13, 46 PIM and a career-high 106 blocked shots in 75 outings split between the Canucks and Rangers in 2024-25. Selected by the Kraken in the 2021 Expansion Draft, he set career highs in goals and points in the club’s inaugural season in 2021-22 with 10-11-21 in 64 appearances before posting a career-high 143 hits in 78 outings with the team in 2022-23.

The 6-4, 211-pound blueliner has notched 6-29-35, 128 PIM and a cumulative +20 plus/minus rating in 136 career American Hockey League games with the Iowa Wild from 2016-19. He played four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 2013-17, finishing with 12-35-47 and 216 PIM in 147 contests.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Here's #CBJ GM Don Waddell speaking to the local media the morning after he made a blockbuster trade with Toronto. The six-player deal featured Matthew Knies incoming to Columbus and Kirill Marchenko outgoing to Toronto. #torontomapleleafs #NHL youtu.be/Igg9ei7kSbk

Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell after blockbuster trade

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

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The newest Blue Jacket, Matthew Knies, meets the Columbus media via Zoom Tuesday morning. Knies was acquired in a blockbuster, six-player deal that included Kirill Marchenko going to Toronto. #CBJ youtu.be/Jh9muB4nhVc

Power forward Matthew Knies looks forward to fresh start in Columbus

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

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#CBJ GM Don Waddell (live) and the newest Blue Jacket, Matthew Knies (via Zoom), just did a quick press conference with the local media. ...

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Brian Hedger @brianhedger.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Former #CBJ now connected to the Leafs: - Bobrovsky - Marchenko - Roslovic - Elvis (IR) - Wood - Domi (IR) - Blankenburg They're a Laine add + Del Zotto un-retirement from reuniting a chunk of the Jackets' 2021 debacle that ended in Savard, Foligno, Jones and Atkinson trades.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I'll be posting post-game interviews with #Crew96 coach Laurent Courtois and players Jamal Thiare, Patrick Schulte and Josef Martinez at youtube.com/@thedisrespected-614 a bit later tonight. Also, Rick Bowness from this morning, pre-trade. Doing the editing now at Local Cantina East Market.

youtube.com

The Disrespected

Covering pro sports in flyover country. Welcome to The Disrespected, a local, independent producer of the Cannon Balls and Crewcible podcasts and whatever else crosses the desk of Michael Arace at the...

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

About 30 years ago, then-MSG president Dave Checketts said to me in an interview: "If we trade Patrick Ewing to the Clippers for five Clippers, then we're the Clippers." Note: It was not the only time he used that line. ...

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

A minute ago, I read something posted at a newspaper website which sited a scoring statistic that should have set off alarm bells -- because it was a virtually impossible number. It was clearly spit out by Chat GPT or some other AI and then shit right into the story. I am sad.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#CBJ cap-compliant roster was due at 5 p.m. Here it is:

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the 21-man roster for the opening of the 2026-27 season prior to the National Hockey League’s 5 p.m. ET deadline, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today.

The Blue Jackets’ 21-man roster includes: Forwards (13) – 3 Charlie Coyle, 4 Cole Sillinger, 10 Dmitri Voronkov, 19 Adam Fantilli, 23 Sean Monahan, 24 Mathieu Olivier, 43 Valeri Nichushkin, 58 Danton Heinen, 83 Conor Garland, 89 Matthew Knies, 91 Kent Johnson, 93 Luca Del Bel Belluz and 94 Ryan Lomberg; Defense (6) – 2 Jake Christiansen, 5 Denton Mateychuk, 8 Zach Werenski, 9 Ivan Provorov, 36 Emil Andrae and 44 Erik Gudbranson; and Goaltenders (2) – 33 Cam Talbot and 73 Jet Greaves.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#CBJ trade with #torontomapleleafs is official. "I'd like to thank, Elvis, Marchy and Miles for their contributions to our club and wish them well moving forward," said Waddell.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired left wing Matthew Knies, defenseman Emil Andrae, center Steven Lorentz and a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for right wing Kirill Marchenko, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and left wing Miles Wood, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today.

The Blue Jackets made two additional roster moves today, placing defenseman Damon Severson on the Injured Non-Roster list and loaning forward Jack Williams to the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters.

Knies, 23, recorded 67 goals and 93 assists for 160 points, 119 penalty minutes, with 11-22-33 on the power play, 11 game-winning goals, 505 hits and 411 shots on goal, while averaging 16:56 of ice time in 240 career games with the Maple Leafs. He has registered consecutive 20-goal and 50-point seasons during his first three NHL campaigns. The winger was originally selected by Toronto in the second round, 57th overall, at the 2021 NHL Draft.

“Matthew is a big, strong power forward who combines tough, hard-nosed physical play with outstanding offensive skills,” said Waddell. “He is a young player with great character and work ethic and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family.”

The 6-2, 232-pound forward notched career highs in assists, points, power play goals and time on ice in 2025-26, finishing with 23-43-66, six power play tallies and 152 hits on 18:48 TOI in 79 appearances. He set single-season career highs in goals, game-winning goals, hits and shots on goal in 2024-25 with 29-29-58, six GWG, 182 hits and 152 shots on 18:31 TOI in 78 appearances in 2024-25. After making his NHL debut with Toronto during the 2022-23 campaign, Knies collected 15-20-35 and 45 PIM in 80 outings in 2023-24.

The 6-2, 232-pound forward notched career highs in assists, points, power play goals and time on ice in 2025-26, finishing with 23-43-66, six power play tallies and 152 hits on 18:48 TOI in 79 appearances. He set single-season career highs in goals, game-winning goals, hits and shots on goal in 2024-25 with 29-29-58, six GWG, 182 hits and 152 shots on 18:31 TOI in 78 appearances in 2024-25. After making his NHL debut with Toronto during the 2022-23 campaign, Knies collected 15-20-35 and 45 PIM in 80 outings in 2023-24.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Knies played collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota from 2021-23, posting 36-39-75, 60 PIM and a cumulative +46 plus/minus rating in 73 appearances. He was a finalist for the 2022-23 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the country’s top NCAA men’s ice hockey player and named to the First All-American Team after posting 21-21-42 and 29 PIM in 40 contests with the Gophers. He represented the United States at the 2022 Olympic Games and the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships.

Andrae, 24, has registered 3-17-20, 38 penalty minutes with a cumulative +9 plus/minus rating, while averaging 16:02 TOI in 107 career NHL games over the past three seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. In 2025-26, he set career highs with 2-11-13, 22 PIM and was +15 in 61 outings. He has also notched 10-49-59 and 99 PIM in 103 career games with American Hockey League’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms over the past four campaigns.

The 5-9, 194-pound blueliner was selected by the Flyers in the second-round, 54th overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft. He was acquired by Toronto via trade on June 16, 2026.

A native of Vasterviks, Sweden, Andrae as played for Sweden in several international tournaments, including the 2021 and 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships. In the 2022 tournament, he helped his team capture a bronze medal and was named to the WJC All-Star Team after collecting 4-4-8 in seven contests.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

To Toronto: Marchenko, who gets 6X$12.5M extension (kicks in next July 1); Wood (4X$2.5 left on his deal); Merzlikins (1X$.5.4M left - #CBJ will eat some of that). To Columbus: Knies (5X$7.75M left), Lorentz (2X$1.25M left); Andrae (2X$1.55M left) and a 2nd. Wood & Lorentz recently cleared waivers.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Marchenko trade to Toronto not done. If #CBJ GM Don Waddell can move Marchenko, who does not want to be in CBus, and be free of his pesky agent, and get Elvis to TO in exchange for Matthew Knies, 23 - who is under contract for 5 more years at $7.75M per - it would be a tidy bit of business.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#CBJ coach Rick Bowness said D Damon Severson, coming off shoulder surgery, will not be available "until Game 3" (Oct. 9) in the most optimistic scenario. One would expect that Carson Soucy will be signed by 5 p.m., deadline for #NHL teams to be cap compliant.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#CBJ last bit of 90 minute practice: shootouts. Here’s Nichushkin on Greaves:

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#CBJ haven't made final cut yet. Have until 5 p.m. Worked on breakouts on big ice; now special teams in Haus of Ice. PP1: Marchenko-Fantilli-Coyle; Werenski-KJohnson PP2: Garland-Monahan-Voronkov (or Sillinger); Mateychuk-Nichushkin. Also working 3-on-3. Provorov: Maintenance day. There's No. 19:

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

New column for paid subscribers posts at the website and hits inboxes early this morning. Not this early. But still early. Have a nice day. #Crew96 #CBJ #Messi www.thedisrespected.com/p/d3aeb6a0-a...

Columbus Crew 2, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami 1

If you open up your window this morning, you can still hear Luis Suarez whining

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

It took six months, but that is a signature victory: #Crew96 2, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami 1. Jamal Thiare with the game-winner in second half stoppage time. Helluva game. The #Messi free-kick goal was ridiculous.

Crew F Jamal Thiare is celebrates his game-winning goal over Miami.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Starting lineups #Crew96 vs Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami. #Messi is starting for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Due to foreseen events, the latest edition of The Weekly Dis has been postponed. In the coming days, there will be a makeup Dis for all of the brilliant people, and you know who you are, who subscribe -- free and paid -- to thedisrespected.com. Cin cin.

Michael Arace covers pro sports in flyover country. Welcome to Columbus, the Blue Jackets and the Crew.

The Disrespected

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

New column for paid subscribers posts at the website and hits inboxes early Fri. a.m. Have a nice day. #CBJ www.thedisrespected.com/p/a29e1d67-3...

Adam Fantilli plants his skates

A long, cold summer comes to an end

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#CBJ looked good tonight. The Fantilli effect? One Werenski goal (wrister from the top of the slot through traffic), two give-and-gos (Nichushkin from Voronkov, very pretty, and Heinen from Coyle). An empty-netter from Marchenkov. 4-0 shutout for Cam Talbot. ... Final exhibition is Sat. in Detroit.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Watch the whole #CBJ press conference with GM Don Waddell and Adam Fantilli, who puts pen to contract and inks a six-year extension worth $13.75M per. youtu.be/G4J04OHB-Tw

Fantilli signs an extension and a long, cold summer comes to an end.

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

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Puck just dropped on #CBJ vs. Pitt at the Nationwide Arena:

Columbus Blue Jackets lines vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I forgot to put the “M” after the $13.75.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

In about 20 minutes, #CBJ GM Don Waddell and newly extended (6 years at $13.75 per) Adam Fantilli will meet the local media.

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

New column posts at the website and hits inboxes early Wed. a.m. Paywall is down for this one. As I was writing, I got sadder and sadder. #Crew96 #MLS www.thedisrespected.com/p/4c0bbdfa-4...

Federico Higuain is fired from his job as coach of Crew 2

Source: Pipa didn't show "an accountability or a level of contrition that approached the seriousness of the transgression."

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I'll have more on the #Crew96 firing of Crew 2 coach Federico Higuain in tomorrow's post at thedisrespected.com. Jeff Carlisle at ESPN has already filed a full story, if you're interested. One thing I'd point out: The Crew wanted to be very deliberate in dealing with a club legend.

Michael Arace covers pro sports in flyover country. Welcome to Columbus, the Blue Jackets and the Crew.

The Disrespected

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Federico Higuain, a Columbus Crew legend, has been fired from his job as head coach of Crew 2 after an incident of "physical abuse and sexism" involving a referee. Pipa was not keen to issue an apology, but even that might not have saved him. Background: www.thedisrespected.com/oh-pipa-say-...

Oh, Pipa, say it ain't so

Federico Higuain accused of "physical abuse and sexism" after an incident with a female referee. A Crew 2 supporter group calls for him to be fired. What will Bez do? Also, it's NHL Exhibition Week, s...

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Patrick Johnston 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 @risingaction.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It’s not a stadium deal or an ownership thing but it’s another small step that could be viewed as a positive even as the bigger deals remain outstanding

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Craig Calcaterra @craigcalcaterra.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I may be the most boring person on the planet for saying this but the thing that made my eyes pop out the most in this thread is that Lauren Bobert allegedly paid someone $200K in hush money. Like, where in the hell did she get $200K? bsky.app/profile/caro...

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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Fairshake, the crypto industry's main super PAC, says it will spend $30M to defeat Democrat Sherrod Brown in Ohio's Senate race as revenge for Democrats defeating the pro-crypto CLARITY Act. But don't expect any of their ads to actually mention crypto. Watch.

youtube.com

Meet the Biggest Super PACs of 2026

Voters are increasingly opposed to U.S. aid to Israel, cryptocurrency, and AI data centers.That's why the Big Money grou

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Upper 90 Club @upper90clubpod.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

PODS UP!! We're back? Club is #blessed to have Open Cup legend Duncan Oughton on for another....well ~4 hour party. Luckily we narrowed it down for ya. Buckle up butternuts, it's Crew time! Open Cup or BUST! Get stuck in! #Crew96 #OpenCupOrBust #R96TS

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Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

For those who are curious enough to hear from the #CBJ coach after the first exhibition, which was a snoozefest, here's Rick Bowness. Jackets beat Detroit 1-0 in a shootout. youtu.be/GqM2bujrTUU

Columbus Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness after first exhibition