Aaron Portzline
@aportzline.bsky.social
I cover the NHL and Columbus Blue Jackets for The Athletic. Sportswriting since 1986.
The Athletic: It wasn’t an early Thanksgiving celebration, but certainly a moment of gratefulness with family.
Veteran Brendan Smith, after two rough months on an AHL PTO, is back in the NHL.
He’ll make his #CBJ debut tonight vs. #LeafsForever
INCLUDES injury updates
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Veteran Brendan Smith, after two rough months on an AHL PTO, is back in the NHL.
He’ll make his #CBJ debut tonight vs. #LeafsForever
INCLUDES injury updates
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Back in the NHL, Brendan Smith's debut with Blue Jackets will be a 'pinch me' moment
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The Athletic: It wasn’t an early Thanksgiving celebration, but certainly a moment of gratefulness with family.
Veteran Brendan Smith, after two rough months on an AHL PTO, is back in the NHL.
He’ll make his #CBJ debut tonight vs. #LeafsForever
INCLUDES injury updates
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Veteran Brendan Smith, after two rough months on an AHL PTO, is back in the NHL.
He’ll make his #CBJ debut tonight vs. #LeafsForever
INCLUDES injury updates
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683... Blue Jackets’ brutal injury wave makes ugly loss to Capitals seem secondary
Blue Jackets’ brutal injury wave makes ugly loss to Capitals seem secondary
Kirill Marchenko went down during the morning skate while two other key players did not finish the game against Washington.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:57 AM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683... Blue Jackets’ brutal injury wave makes ugly loss to Capitals seem secondary
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Oh, it’s a thing. #CBJ are giving away points with late collapses
2. No. 2 line has gone missing
3. Take 5, Jet Greaves
4. Penalty kill improves, Charlie Coyle’s milestones, #CBJ close calls, trivia, & more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
1. Oh, it’s a thing. #CBJ are giving away points with late collapses
2. No. 2 line has gone missing
3. Take 5, Jet Greaves
4. Penalty kill improves, Charlie Coyle’s milestones, #CBJ close calls, trivia, & more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Rash of late-game collapses costing crucial points
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:14 PM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Oh, it’s a thing. #CBJ are giving away points with late collapses
2. No. 2 line has gone missing
3. Take 5, Jet Greaves
4. Penalty kill improves, Charlie Coyle’s milestones, #CBJ close calls, trivia, & more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
1. Oh, it’s a thing. #CBJ are giving away points with late collapses
2. No. 2 line has gone missing
3. Take 5, Jet Greaves
4. Penalty kill improves, Charlie Coyle’s milestones, #CBJ close calls, trivia, & more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
The Athletic: Familiar script | Blue Jackets blow another third-period lead, lose in 4-3 overtime to Red Wings
“You know, it’s been a few games now, and we don’t want it to snowball into something larger than what it already is.” - Miles Wood
#CBJ #LGRW
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
“You know, it’s been a few games now, and we don’t want it to snowball into something larger than what it already is.” - Miles Wood
#CBJ #LGRW
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
As Blue Jackets blow another lead, Dean Evason isn't concerned: 'I'm not focused on it'
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 PM
The Athletic: Familiar script | Blue Jackets blow another third-period lead, lose in 4-3 overtime to Red Wings
“You know, it’s been a few games now, and we don’t want it to snowball into something larger than what it already is.” - Miles Wood
#CBJ #LGRW
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
“You know, it’s been a few games now, and we don’t want it to snowball into something larger than what it already is.” - Miles Wood
#CBJ #LGRW
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
#CBJ D Zach Werenski, asked this morning in Toronto #LeafsForever about this:
“Yeah, it doesn't matter. It is what it is, I guess, right? I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I like Columbus, I like playing there, and I don’t care what Bill Simmons has to say.”
“Yeah, it doesn't matter. It is what it is, I guess, right? I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I like Columbus, I like playing there, and I don’t care what Bill Simmons has to say.”
Bill Simmons has singled out the Columbus Blue Jackets as the most irrelevant franchise in sports.
awfulannouncing.com/ringer/bill-...
awfulannouncing.com/ringer/bill-...
Bill Simmons proclaims Columbus Blue Jackets 'most irrelevant franchise in professional sports'
Bill Simmons proclaimed the Columbus Blue Jackets 'the most irrelevant franchise in professional sports' on his podcast.
awfulannouncing.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
#CBJ D Zach Werenski, asked this morning in Toronto #LeafsForever about this:
“Yeah, it doesn't matter. It is what it is, I guess, right? I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I like Columbus, I like playing there, and I don’t care what Bill Simmons has to say.”
“Yeah, it doesn't matter. It is what it is, I guess, right? I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I like Columbus, I like playing there, and I don’t care what Bill Simmons has to say.”
The Athletic: 4 As, 9 Bs, 6 Cs, and 2 Ds | We graded the Blue Jackets after the first 20 games (10-8-2) of the season. Overall GPA: 2.7
Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski get high marks - no surprises there - but others are lagging
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski get high marks - no surprises there - but others are lagging
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Blue Jackets report card: Marchenko and Werenski get As, but others are struggling
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The Athletic: 4 As, 9 Bs, 6 Cs, and 2 Ds | We graded the Blue Jackets after the first 20 games (10-8-2) of the season. Overall GPA: 2.7
Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski get high marks - no surprises there - but others are lagging
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski get high marks - no surprises there - but others are lagging
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Travel-weary Blue Jackets don’t have the jam to hang with Jets in 5-2 loss
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
Travel-weary Blue Jackets don't have the jam to hang with Jets
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:15 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Travel-weary Blue Jackets don’t have the jam to hang with Jets in 5-2 loss
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
Zach Werenski hits 400 career points with third-period goal, but Kirill Marchenko has his career long 12-game point streak snapped
The Athletic: A #CBJ win like Monday’s would never have been questioned or critiqued last season
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Another late collapse limits Blue Jackets to shootout win against Montreal
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:49 PM
The Athletic: A #CBJ win like Monday’s would never have been questioned or critiqued last season
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
But a 4-3 shootout win over #GoHabsGo had more worrying signs - like a blown 3-1 third period leads - that the Blue Jackets are letting other teams dictate play
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Denton Mateychuk joins Connor McDavid's highlight reel
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:28 PM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
1. Denton Mateychuk becomes part of Connor McDavid’s career highlight reel
2. Boone Jenner’s trouble with injuries
3. Take 5, Marc Denis
4. Snacks: Marchenko nears record, Evason at ‘100’, Dubi still dealing, trivia, etc.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Mathieu Olivier’s wake-up call earns Blue Jackets a point in shootout loss to Rangers
Mathieu Olivier’s wake-up call earns Blue Jackets a point in shootout loss to Rangers
The Blue Jackets, with the loser's point, are on a four-game point streak during their busiest stretch of the season.
www.nytimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:59 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681... Mathieu Olivier’s wake-up call earns Blue Jackets a point in shootout loss to Rangers
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Has the Blue Jackets' goalie rotation ended? What to make of Jet Greaves' run of play
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Has the Blue Jackets' goalie rotation ended? What to make of Jet Greaves' run of play
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
The Athletic: Has the Blue Jackets’ goaltending rotation ended?
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What to make of #CBJ Jet Greaves’ recent run of play heading into tonight’s game vs. #NYR
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Three days after a heartbreaker in Edmonton, Blue Jackets manage to hold off #LetsGoOilers 5-4 in Nationwide.
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mathieu Olivier, Blue Jackets hold on to beat Edmonton days after heartbreaker
The Jackets were able to avoid repeating history by preserving a shrinking lead to the end.
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:21 PM
The Athletic: Three days after a heartbreaker in Edmonton, Blue Jackets manage to hold off #LetsGoOilers 5-4 in Nationwide.
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mathieu Olivier’s big night (2-1-3) helps #CBJ win second straight after 4-game skid
INCLUDES Boone Jenner injury update
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
nypost.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM
RIP Brooksie: Larry Brooks, Post legend and Hall of Fame hockey writer, dead at 75
Reposted by Aaron Portzline
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Blue Jackets, Charlie Coyle gut out shootout win in Seattle to end rough road trip
Coyle’s goal in the fourth round of a shootout gave the the flu-ridden, heavy-legged Jackets something to smile about.
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Blue Jackets, Charlie Coyle gut out shootout win in Seattle to end rough road trip
Coyle’s goal in the fourth round of a shootout gave the the flu-ridden, heavy-legged Jackets something to smile about.
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The Athletic: Charlie Coyle's shootout winner in the fourth round helps #CBJ end rough road trip with a 2-1 win in Seattle
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Flu-riddled, heavy-legged Blue Jackets lose captain Boone Jenner early in the second period
#SeaKraken
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The Athletic: Epic collapse | Blue Jackets play to script for 50+ minutes, but choke away a two-goal lead late and lose 5-4 in overtime to #LetsGoOilers
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Epic collapse: Blue Jackers fritter away late two-goal lead, lose to Oilers in OT
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The Athletic: Epic collapse | Blue Jackets play to script for 50+ minutes, but choke away a two-goal lead late and lose 5-4 in overtime to #LetsGoOilers
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
#CBJ allow last-minute shorthanded goal, then watch Jack Roslovic end it in OT after botched change
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Brrrrr. An offensive chill lingers for too many players
No team had more 15-goal scorers than Columbus last season. The Blue Jackets don't look likely to repeat the feat.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:39 AM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets Monday Gathering
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
1. Brrr. An goal-scoring chill has hit too many #CBJ players during skid
2. NHL vet Brendan Smith, 36, plugging away with @monstershockey
3. Snacks: Mathieu Olivier’s misconduct, a big #CBJ kill, trivia and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The Athletic: Judge rules statements by driver accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau brothers can be used at trial, writes @hailey_salvian
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Judge rules statements by driver accused of killing Gaudreau brothers can be used at trial
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed while riding bicycles near their childhood home on Aug. 29, 2024.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The Athletic: Judge rules statements by driver accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau brothers can be used at trial, writes @hailey_salvian
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ first month brings streak and a learning curve —Thoughts, critiques and more
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Blue Jackets’ first month brings streak and a learning curve: Thoughts, critiques and more
As Dean Evason continues to tinker with lines amid a long road stretch, here's what stood out over the season's first month.
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:46 PM
The Athletic: Blue Jackets’ first month brings streak and a learning curve —Thoughts, critiques and more
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
#CBJ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
The Athletic: #CBJ not ready to play on Wednesday in Calgary, fall behind early and fall 4-1 to #Flames in Saddledome
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Blue Jackets start slow in loss to Flames; Sean Monahan leaves with injury
If Monahan misses significant time, it could be devastating for a Blue Jackets club that is trying to end a five-year playoff drought.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM
The Athletic: #CBJ not ready to play on Wednesday in Calgary, fall behind early and fall 4-1 to #Flames in Saddledome
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
First-line center Sean Monahan leaves game early after awkward end-board collision with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Stepped away from the #CBJ on Tuesday to serve as a poll worker / election judge here in Licking County, Ohio, but some #CBJ stuff to ponder heading into tonight's game at Calgary:
1. #CBJ could be w/0 Denton Mateychuk, who is battling something and may not play vs. #Flames
1/4
1. #CBJ could be w/0 Denton Mateychuk, who is battling something and may not play vs. #Flames
1/4
November 5, 2025 at 1:30 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677... Blue Jackets overcome sluggish start, then fritter away late lead in loss to Islanders
Blue Jackets overcome sluggish start, then fritter away late lead in loss to Islanders
The Blue Jackets managed to build a lead after a rough start but gave up two goals in the final 67 seconds.
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:05 AM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677... Blue Jackets overcome sluggish start, then fritter away late lead in loss to Islanders
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676... Sean Monahan’s first of the season, Jet Greaves’ strong outing, propel Blue Jackets
Sean Monahan’s first of the season, Jet Greaves’ strong outing, propel Blue Jackets
Monahan scored his first goal of the season in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday
www.nytimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676... Sean Monahan’s first of the season, Jet Greaves’ strong outing, propel Blue Jackets