Aaron Portzline
@Aportzline
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The Athletic | NHL Network | PHWA
Granville, OH
Joined March 2009
Blue Jackets are opening the game without a left wing. That’s where Johnny Gaudreau would have skated, of course.
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This picture by the great @Nicole_Kraft really lands a punch. A young Blue Jackets fan, decked out on Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13, is consoled as he walks away from the makeshift memorial to Gaudreau outside Nationwide Arena. #CBJ
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#CBJ management will never say it publicly. But you’d better believe they’re taking note that the players who left for greener pastures as UFA - Sergei Bobrovsky, Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene - are all out of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the club that was left for dead plays on.
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Colleague @treed1919 had his phone on the podium, recording insights of #CBJ coach John Tortorella. It buzzed, a call from Tom’s dear mother. Tortorella answers the call. “Mrs. Reed? I’m in the middle of a press conference right now. I’d rather talk to you than your son.”
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#CBJ John Tortorella missed Saturday’s game in Chicago for a very good reason. His son, U.S. Army Ranger Dominick Tortorella, was home on leave, so the family had a rare day together. Yes, a few things are bigger than hockey. #priorities.
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An emotional scene at the end of #CBJ practice today when Nick Foligno addressed teammates, told them he was stepping away from the team for Milana’s surgery. When he finished speaking, players tapped the ice with their sticks, then engulfed Foligno in a massive 25-person hug.
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#CBJ have been informed by NHL/NHLPA today that they won’t need to be compliant with the agreed upon salary cap floor by Oct. 7, when NHL rosters set for the 2024-25 season. Two key points:. 1/4.
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Two weeks ago, #CBj Adam Fantilli was asked for an autograph near Nationwide Arena. As a favor, the fan handed him a handmade, double-sided list of area restaurants. The list is on his fridge, and he’s crossing them off as he goes. One early favorite: Martini Modern Italian.
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#CBJ GM Don Waddell says the entire team will travel to the Gaudreau brothers’ funeral. As of this moment, plans for a memorial are being finalized by the Gaudreau family, club says.
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#CBJ took the opening face-off without a left winger. The puck drop, the clock was allowed to run for 13 seconds and the two teams — the Blue Jackets and Panthers — stood still. Then, amid chants of "Johnny Hockey," the game started again with 19:47 on the clock.
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A big crowd gathering on the plaza outside Nationwide Arena for tonight’s #CBJ vigil to honor the life and legacies of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau:
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#CBJ confirmed reports in Latvia that G Matiss Kivlenieks has passed away at the age of 24. Working on the details, but such awful news.
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Told #CBJ and #Nationwide Arena security are attempting to identify the fan who, according to goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, taunted Merzlikins regarding the off-season death of his friend and former teammate Matiss Kivlenieks before Monday’s game vs. Dallas. #TexasHockey.
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When #CBJ Patrik Laine signed his new contract this summer, he indicated a desire to “give back” to the central Ohio community. Today he announced he’ll donate $1,000 for every point he registers this season to the Columbus Community Shelter Board to help combat homelessness.
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#CBJ G Elvis Merzlikins said a fan wearing a Dallas Stars sweater taunted him regarding the off-season death of friend and former teammate Matiss Kivlenieks as he and Blue Jackets teammates came out of the tunnel for the start of the game. #TexasHockey.
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#CBJ are aware of these allegations and looking into them. No official response yet. Babcock and Jenner have not immediately responded to requests seeking comment.
Mike Babcock has allegedly been asking various Blue Jackets to see their phones then AirPlaying their photos on his office TV. 📺:
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#CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen said he apologized to the team this morning for hiring Mike Babcock.
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Oakland Co., Mich., investigator Tim Wood said an autopsy has confirmed that the death of #CBJ goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was accidental. But Kivlenieks’ cause of death, as listed on autopsy, is “fireworks mortar blast, chest trauma,” not a head injury as first suspected.
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Looking ahead here, but there’s a very good chance Nick Foligno will re-sign with #CBJ this summer as an unrestricted free agent.
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#CBJ GM Don Waddell: “While there is a huge hole in our lineup, there’s a bigger hole in our hearts.”.
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#CBJ Elvis Merzlikins said he has not requested a trade, but that he and the Blue Jackets have agreed to find a “new scenario” for him. “I love Columbus. I love these guys. I grew up here.”.Also: “I’m not a backup goaltender.”.
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Just look at that. Amazing.
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#CBJ deal for Johnny Gaudreau is pending league approval. Hearing it’s seven years with an AAv in the neighborhood of $9.5 million.
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Here are #NHL commish Gary Bettman's full comments on the #NHLBruins signing of USHL defenseman Mitchell Miller:
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#CBJ Zach Werenski has a torn labrum and separated shoulder and will miss the rest of the season. And there’s more bad news ….
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#CBJ Adam Fantilli on his unsportsmanlike conduct call at 2:43 of the second period. The ref thought he embellished a highsticking penalty, even as #TexasHockey Harley was called for highsticking on the play.
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The Athletic: John Tortorella won’t return as coach of Blue Jackets next season, per sources. After six seasons, the winningest coach in #CBJ history will move on when his contract expires this summer.
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#CBJ David Savard is the second player handed the Stanley Cup after #TBLightning captain Steven Stamkos.
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Told there will be a moment of silence observed in Matiss Kivlenieks’ honor before tonight’s Game 4 between Tampa Bay and Montreal. #CBJ.
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Told #CBJ Elvis Merzlikins "needs a rest" and will be given a few days to gather himself. This explains the Jet Greaves recall from AHL Cleveland.
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Told that the NHL players’ association is looking into the Babcock allegations as put forth by the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast.
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NHL and broadcaster Kevin Weekes both declined to comment when reached by The Athletic for comment/explanation about the early on-air revelation that #CBJ were picking No. 3 ahead of deputy commish Bill Daly flipping the placard. Seems a production error led to Weekes' flub.
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#CBJ traded Riley Nash to #LeafsForever at the #NHL trade deadline for a conditional 7th-round pick in 2022. The condition: if Nash played in 25% of Toronto’s playoff games, the pick would become a 6th-rounder. Nash played in 2 of 7 games (28.5%), so it’s now a 6th-rounder.
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#CBJ Adam Fantilli played 10:11, Kent Johnson 8:08 and David Jiricek 10:25 tonight vs. #GoKingsGo.At some point, this lost cause of a season needs to turn over to the kids, who have outplayed the vets in most games. Can't kid yourself that this season is still about this season.
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From #CBJ … absolutely devastating news.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.
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#CBJ coach John Tortorella on the departure of Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno, who was traded to #LeafsForever on Sunday:
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#CBJ booed off the ice after the first period. Down 6-0 to #LetsGoBuffalo. Quite possibly the worst period in franchise history, which is really quite a statement if you know this franchise's history.
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#CBJ vs. #LeafsForever goal sequence:.CBJ.CBJ.TML.TML.TML.TML.TML.TML.CBJ.CBJ.CBJ.CBJ.CBJ.CBJ.CBJ.TML.TML.TML.TML.
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#CBJ have agreed to terms with RFA D Zach Werenski on a three-year, $15 million contract, as first reported by @KevinWeekes. Deal should be official later today.
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Wilson apologists: “Well, why was Buchnevich’s head there?".
Tom Wilson once again crosses the line, as he goes after Pavel Buchnevich in the crease after play is stopped #NYR
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Told #CBJ Patrik Laine is back in Finland to be with family and celebrate his father’s life. Harri Laine died unexpectedly last month.
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#CBJ coach John Tortorella walks away from post-game media availability after two questions: “You know what guys? I’m not going to get into the touchy feely stuff and the moral victories and all that. You guys be safe.".
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Keep the Folignos in your thoughts.
NEWS: #CBJ captain Nick Foligno will miss Monday’s game vs. Ottawa and be away from the team as his daughter, Milana, will undergo a scheduled surgery in Boston. He will return to the team as soon as possible.
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Told #CBJ have signed free agent center Sean Kuraly to a four-year contract. The Dublin kid is coming home after five seasons with #NHLBruins organization.
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#CBJ have traded Nick Foligno, David Savard, Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson … all traded by the Blue Jackets in the span of 105 days.
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#CBJ Patrik Laine on his healthy scratch vs. Philadelphia on Sunday:. “Over my career, it’s probably the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to me. I’m not happy about that. They know that. It is what it is. It’s over and done.”.
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Told #CBJ Pierre-Luc Dubois will be a healthy scratch vs. #TBLightning on Saturday … if he’s still on the Blue Jackets’ roster. Sense is GM Jarmo Kekalainen was taking a patient approach to trading Dubois, but Thursday made a trade more urgent.
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#CBJ John Tortorella launches into a expletive-filled, fist-slamming, 45-second tirade at #NHL officials, league review process for not putting time back on the clock after #Blackhawks too many men penalty was called. Takes no questions and storm out of press conference room.
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#CBJ Patrik Laine said he deserved to be benched. Further, he doesn’t think it will have any impact on his future with the Blue Jackets.
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#CBJ John Tortorella, on the science of forward lines: "It’s a bunch of bullshit. I get a kick out of us, as coaches … we talk about this, that and the other thing. ‘This is what I’m looking for.’ It’s a bunch of bullshit. We try things, and if it works, it works.".
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Absolute garbage. And the others just laugh. Good god, people. Be better.
This is just not okay.
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It would be an incredibly sad day if #CBJ Matiss Kivlenieks wasn’t a happy, kind and humble soul, but that’s exactly who he was. It would still be terrible news if he weren’t 24 years old w so many joys and achievements ahead of him in his life. It just adds to the sorrow. 1/2.
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#CBJ say signing of Johnny Gaudreau does not preclude them from signing Patrik Laine, who is currently an RFA. They can keep them both, but other moves are now necessary.
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#CBJ John Davidson with a request for fans and the hockey world regarding goaltending coach Manny Legace and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who witnessed the accident on Sunday that took Matiss Kivleniek’s life.
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Have to say the mood in the #CBJ dressing room is not one I have encountered previously in a Blue Jackets’ losing playoff dressing room. No false bravado, no hung heads, no profane outbursts. Chins up, business-like attitude. Not a hint of panic.
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Blue Jackets’ majority owner John P. McConnell sent a Gulfstream 4 to Ottawa this morning. It is expected to depart Ottawa for a Columbus return shortly after 1 p.m. ET today, arriving around 2:30 p.m. #CBJ Patrik Laine will be on that plane.
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Go to bed. Told it’s unlikely a #CBJ deal w Pierre-Luc Dubois is completed tonight. Saturday could be a big day, though. As @PierreVLeBrun has reported, Anaheim, Montreal and Winnipeg believed to be the front-runners.
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#CBJ Jarmo Kekalainen said he’s already had preliminary talks with Patrik Laine about a contract extension and establishing a long-term relationship. More serious talks to follow.
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Source close to Zac Rinaldo tells The Athletic that #CBJ made it clear to Rinaldo he wasn’t welcome at training camp. Awaiting explanation from club.
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#CBJ Patrik Laine has gone seven games without a point, matching a career high. Asked where his confidence is right now:. “Probably closer to zero.".
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And a post-practice picture with Guy Gaudreau and the Blue Jackets:
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Well, #CBJ have been through their four lines here early in the third and it appears Patrik Laine is still benched. His last shift game ended with 6:19 remaining in the second period.
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The Athletic: #CBJ goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, passed away Sunday in Novi, Mich. Novi police tell The Athletic Kivlenieks was part of a group fleeing a hot tub after a fireworks malfunction. He slipped and fell, his head hitting concrete. 1/2 .
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#CBJ president of hockey operations John Davidson said F Zac Rinaldo is not vaccinated and therefore isn’t welcome at camp. He’ll go to AHL camp with @monstershockey when it opens later this month.
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Damn. John Davidson from the top ropes!.
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