As I continue my journey across the NHL, recommending journalists and podcasts for fans of all 31 clubs, I land today on Columbus. Blue Jackets’ beat writer Aaron Portzline, who currently works for The Athletic, is my first go-to for anyone looking to keep up with all things CBJ, and here’s why.

Aaron Portzline – Bringing Complete Coverage

When reading through Aaron’s work, one is quick to realize the amount of detail and description he brings to all of his articles. Something I believe to be important in good writing is that the writer shouldn’t assume the reader knows what he or she is talking about. For example, in a recent article discussing the future of star winger Artemi Panarin, Portzline goes to great length to hash out any potential trade scenario for Panarin, and when that potential trade is likely to happen.

Educating those who might be quick to criticize a player or an organization is important part of expanding the hockey knowledge of the average fan. I myself was able to pick up a a bit of insight as I was reading through Portzline’s genius in preparation for this review.


A Tricky Approach

Along with providing various scenarios for Panarin’s departure, which included the potential value the Blue Jackets could get for the Russian phenom resting on whether or not his new team has plans to resign him or not once he hits free agency in 2019, Portzline dedicated an entire article to the thoughts of Panarin’s teammates on the situation.

The entire Panarin negotiation is a bit of a touchy subject for all parties involved, largely because the only reason Panarin doesn’t want to stay in Columbus is because well… it’s Columbus. It appears that Panarin has big city ambitions and would like to look for work somewhere else. The team has the space to keep him around, it is primarily the location that is creating the issue. That being said, players like captain Nick Foligno and long time Blue Jacket Cam Atkinson had nothing but good things to say about Panarin, despite the tough circumstances.

For Portzline to jump head-first into a sticky situation by reaching out to players and personnel on the matter is something worth noting. While being in an uncomfortable position from time to time may be part of a beat writer’s job description, you don’t see everyone taking charge. That willingness to pursue the story that everyone wants to read about is just another reason why Aaron Portzline is a must-read for any Blue Jackets die-hard.


Small Market, Big Heart

Columbus may not compare in population to that of larger cities such as Los Angeles or New York, but that doesn’t mean their sports fans are any less passionate. A youthful Columbus fan base has reinvigorated a franchise that is finally finding its place as a perennial playoff competitor, and writers like Aaron Portzline have seen the peaks and valleys of one of the NHL’s youngest clubs. If you love hockey in Columbus, or if y0u are just looking to learn more about the Blue Jackets from afar, Portzline’s work should be one of the first places you go to to get started.

You can follow Aaron Portzline on twitter at @Aportzline and you can find his work at The Athletic’s website. Heads up for those who are checking out this post as it airs, it looks like Aaron is doing a promotion for a subscription to The Athletic on his twitter account if you have still yet to sign up.