Posted May 23, 2012 by Aaron Portzline | 0 comments The latest in our post-season Blue Jackets player report cards: Mark Letestu Age: 27 Position: Center Contract status: Signed through 2012-13 Year in review: Letestu played better and assumed a bigger role with the Blue Jackets than anyone could have imagined when he was acquired from Pittsburgh for a fourth-round pick on Nov. 8. … Talk in Pittsburgh was the Penguins were prepared to put Letestu on waivers, that Columbus – in dead last, and thus with first dibs on claims – was snookered into giving up something for him. Even if it’s true, Letestu’s play helped soften the blow. … In 51 games, Letestu had 11 goals, 13 assists and a minus-3 rating. He ... Continue reading →

By Michael Arace The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday May 23, 2012 5:35 AM Last night, Dustin Brown and the Los Angeles Kings met the Phoenix Coyotes in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. The night before, Zach Parise and the New Jersey Devils met Ryan Callahan and the New York Rangers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. Brown, Parise and Callahan share at least three things in common. They are captains, they are semifinalists — and they are Americans. Hockey is, of course, Canada’s sport. More than 50 percent of the NHL is Canadian born and bred. Americans made up around 15 percent of the league in 2003. They make up around 25 percent now. Given the way prospects are being produced — ... Continue reading →

Posted May 22, 2012 by Aaron Portzline | 0 comments The latest in our post-season Blue Jackets player report cards: Brett Lebda Age: 30 Position: Defense Contract status: Unrestricted free agent on July 1 Year in review: Lebda rescued the top two levels of the Blue Jackets’ organization at different times this season, playing a variety of roles and eating significant minutes to combat a wave of injuries at both AHL Springfield and in the NHL. … Lebda played OK. He skates pretty well and shows consistent patience with the puck. You expect him to be more offensively engaged, but that’s never quite surfaced at the NHL level. If he doesn’t suffer mistakes in his own zone, it’s been a good night at the rink. ... Continue reading →

Photo courtesy of Jamie Sabau Fans gathered at Nationwide Arena in April when the 2013 All-Star Game logo was unveiled. Plans are to transfer control of the arena to a private group that would meet behind closed doors. By Lucas Sullivan The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday May 22, 2012 7:19 AM Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said his office is reviewing the purchase contract of Nationwide Arena and will push for necessary changes to ensure the taxpayer-owned facility is operated in public view. O’Brien was responding to a story in Sunday’s Dispatch that detailed plans to transfer control of the arena to a private, nonprofit group that would meet behind closed doors and shield documents from public disclosure. The prosecutor said he would review whether the ... Continue reading →

Posted May 21, 2012 by Aaron Portzline | 0 comments The Blue Jackets have named former NHLer Brad Larsen coach of their American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield, Mass. Larsen surfaced as a favorite to land the job almost immediately after Rob Riley was fired last month. Larsen retired as a player after the 2009-10 season. The 34-year-old gets a two-year contract, and there is a club option for a third season. "I'll be looked at as a young coach, absolutely," Larsen said. "It's kind of ironic. A couple of years ago, I felt like the old guy playing in the minor leagues. This is a complete '180'. "I'd describe my style as fair but firm. Accountability is a big deal with me. I want ... Continue reading →