iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 16h

The latest episode of the Cannon Balls podcast is posted at Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other pod platforms. Join me and the Mayor @aportzline.bsky.social. Mayhap you'll smile.

Michael Arace hosts Aaron Portzline on the latest episode of Cannon Balls, a podcast about the Blue Jackets.

130

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

We're underwahy with #CBJ at the Nationwide Arena. Everyone remember the early start?

020

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Latest episode of The Crewcible podcast is soon to post ... #Crew96 #DisrespectedMedia

Neil Sika guests with host Michael Arace on the latest episode of The Crewcible podcast.

090

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

#Crew96 were off from Wed. after training until Mon. afternoon. Back on the grounds for the past three days. At Orlando Sat. night. (Bailly takes a knock, rises quickly.)

090

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

After tearing up the ice in the main arena for z45 minute, #CBJ waddle over to the Haus of Ive for special teams work.

120

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Moment of silence here at Nationwide Arena in honor of Lyle Odelein, the first captain of the #CBJ. Odelein died of an apparent heart attack at age 58 Friday. RIP, Odie.

0183

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

#CBJ lines vs. Utah tonight. Voronkov moves up to second line, Garland down to 4th.

021

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Intros wrapped at 7:10. #CBJ v Buffalo coming up after anthem …

170

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I enjoyed making this episode, which, given the guest, is surprising. Good stuff here. It'll soon post at Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other pod platforms, including my YouTube channel.

Latest episode of The Crewcible podcast: Man City's cheating, Pipa's firing and Messi's ugliness.

060

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Expected forward lines for #CBJ vs. Buffalo tonight tonight: Knies-Fantilli-Johnson Nichushkin-Monahan-Garland Sillinger-Coyle-Olivier Lomberg-Voronkov-Olivier

Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres lineups for tonight's season opener at Nationwide Arena. OUT for #CBJ: Defensemen Dante Fabbro (upper body injury), Ivan Provorov (lower body) and Damon Severson (shoulder).

210

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.

031

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.

061

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.

1121

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

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

060

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:

130

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.

4774

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.

1182

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

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

Columbus Blue Jackets lines vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.

020

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.

0110

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#CBJ and De-TROY-it lineups for tonight:

Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings lineup for exhibition game tonight at Nationwide Arena.

110

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#CBJ roster vs. Detroit tomorrow night at the Nationwide Arena:

Columbus Blue Jackets roster for exhibtion vs. Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena Monday night.

170

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

If you care, #CBJ scrimmage is two 25-minute halves. At halftime, the score is 0-0.

050

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

#CBJ coach Rick Bowness on the periphery as assistants Trent Vogelhuber and Don Granato work on special teams this morning.

Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness watches practice Sunday morning.

050

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Martinez from Ramirez in 9th minute. #Crew96 1, Orlando 0

090

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Not a sellout here for #Crew96 v #OrlandoCity SF in #USOoenCup tournament. Condor has personal service.

Crew stadium not sold out for US Open Vup semifinal vs. Orlano.

Condor personal service at concessionaire.

160

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Ladiest and gentlemen, start your headaches:

110

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#CBJ make it official. Veteran, backup goaltender help:

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS SIGN GOALTENDER CAM TALBOT TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT
Veteran netminder has gone 278-204-53 with 2.69 GAA, .911 SV% and 33 SO in 567 career NHL games

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed veteran goaltender Cam Talbot to a one-year, $950,000 contract for the 2026-27 National Hockey League season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced tonight.

“Adding depth in net has been a priority for us so we are very excited to add Cam Talbot to our club,” said Waddell. “He is a big, smart, fundamentally sound goaltender who has won a lot of games in our league. He is also a quality person, and we think he’ll be a great addition to our group.”

A two-time All-Star, Talbot has gone 278-204-53 with a 2.69 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and 33 shutouts in 567 career games over 13 NHL seasons with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings. He has spent the past two seasons with Detroit, compiling a 33-28-11 mark with a 3.03 GAA, .894 SV% and two shutouts in 81 appearances.

140

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

It’s a final: #NYRB 1, #Crew96 0 Crew have lost 6 of last 7 league games. Yeesh. Being on the US Open Cup.

A man on the ground after a soccer game. Tired.

260

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

#Crew96 starters vs. #RBNY tonight. Out: Abou Ali (rehabbing blown knee this season); Bangoura (ankle, did rondos Friday); Camacho (foot). Questionable: Andres Herrera (back, worked out on his own Friday).

Columbus Crew starting XI vs. NYRB: Schulte, Rodriguez, Mendez, Lennon, Amundsen, Gomes, Zawadzki, Giaccone, Moreira, Tapia, Karumanchi.

182

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

For Colorado, W Morgan Whittaker ($10.7M transfer), W Ibrahim Sadiq ($1M plus) and F Sayed Abu Farkhi ($6M) are not available for selection as they work through their visa paperwork. Same thing goes for #Crew96 W Anass Zaroury.

Colorado Rapids lineup vs. Columbus Crew.

140

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Santi steps right in for #Crew96 Lineup vs. Colorado at Fertilizer Field:

5132

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Santi Rodriguez joined his new #Crew96 teammates at practice today. Will he play against Colorado here on Saturday? I don't know, but I don't see why not.

New Crew midfielder Santi Rodriguez at training.

2200

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Official from #Crew96: "Prior to yesterday’s close of Major League Soccer’s Secondary Transfer Window, the Columbus Crew acquired midfielder Anass Zaroury from Greek Super League 1 side Panathinaikos FC via loan through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season with a club option for a permanent transfer ..."

COLUMBUS – Prior to yesterday’s close of Major League Soccer’s Secondary Transfer Window, the Columbus Crew acquired midfielder Anass Zaroury from Greek Super League 1 side Panathinaikos FC via loan through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season with a club option for a permanent transfer. Zaroury will occupy an international roster slot and will be added to the Crew roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa.

“Anass is a technical and audacious player who offers additional creativity and experience to our roster,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. “He has showcased his skillset at various leagues in Europe, and we’re excited to welcome Anass to the Black & Gold.”

Prior to his time in Greece, Zaroury joined French side RC Lens for the 2024-25 season, totaling 28 appearances, two goals and three assists.

A product of Zulte Waregem’s youth academy, Zaroury joined Belgian side Lommel SK and made his professional debut on Aug. 3, 2019. He recorded eight goals and four assists in 33 games for Lommel. In 2021, Zaroury moved to Sporting Charleroi, where he featured in 44 matches and registered seven goals and one assist.

The 25-year-old made 14 appearances for Belgium’s youth national teams at the Under-17 through U-21 levels, recording one goal and one assist. The forward chose to represent Morocco at the senior level, making his international debut on Nov. 17, 2022, against Georgia. Zaroury, who has four senior caps for Morrocco, played 26 minutes in the side's Third Place match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

TRANSACTION: Prior to yesterday's close of Major League Soccer's Secondary Transfer Window, the Columbus Crew acquired midfielder Anass Zaroury from Greek Super League 1 side Panathinaikos FC via loan through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season with a club option for a permanent transfer, announced on Sept. 3, 2026.

Name: Anass Zaroury
Pronunciation: AH-nass zah-rohr-ree
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Born: Nov. 7, 2000, in Mechelen, Belgium
Citizenship: Morocco
Acquired: Via loan on Sept. 3, 2026
Previous Experience: Panathinaikos FC (2025-26); RC Lens (2024-26); Burnley FC (2022-24); Hull City AFC (2024); Lommel SK (2021); Sporting Charleroi (2021-22); Lommel SK (2019-21)

1111

Michael Arace @michaelarace1.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

This will be the last #Crew96 outgoing transfer this window. The only business left is whether MLS and Botafogo's creditors find a way to rubber-stamp a Santi Rodriguez transfer to Columbus.

COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew 2 announced today the transfer of defender Chris Rogers to Sandvikens IF of Superettan, the second division of Swedish Football, for an undisclosed transfer fee. The Crew will retain a percentage of future transfer fees for Rogers, as well as a buy-back clause for the rights to his contract.

Rogers departs the Club after making 80 appearances and 74 starts for Crew 2. He signed with the Capybaras in 2024 and logged 6,592 minutes, three goals and five assists across his four seasons with Crew 2.

291