Each Wednesday at noon during the NHL season, Dispatch.com and BlueJacketsXtra.com readers can chat online with either Aaron Portzline or Tom Reed, The Dispatch's Blue Jackets beat writers. Here's a transcript of today's chat with Aaron:

[Rob_(moderator)] Hi, Porty. Ready to get this party started?
 
[portzline] Let's chat.
 
[jx] any chance the cbj will talk to torres about a new contract soon? if they wait until the year is over do you think his price will go up and the cbj will have less of a chance to resign him?

[portzline] I get the sense that they're done talking contracts for a while. They wanted to get those out of the way early. But, having seen the way Torres has played and how he's impacted the team, they might have to reconsider. It's a real luxury to have a guy who can play on any of the 2nd through 4th lines, and has been noted often, the guy scores huge goals.
 
[woody05] Thank you to any and all veterans. AP, do you sense any regrets about not buying out Modin? It is tough to imagine getting anything from him at this point.

[portzline] At this point, that would have to be a regret, yes, but good luck getting anybody to acknowledge that. If this is how it ends for Modin, is a sad and surprising end for one of the NHL's truly good guys. In the 1990s and into the early 2000s, he was one of the league's more durable players. And don't think for a minute that he's sprawled back in the recliner counting his cash and taking it easy. It pains him to no end that he can't play.
 
[Win 4 Hitch 2 night] does Scotty feel that the role of the "traditional enforcer" is no longer valid in todays' NHL? Belak,Orr , Brash , Laraque , Godard and misc type of players seem to be a minority. We havent had that type of player since #45 was in Columbus.

[portzline] Yes, he does, as long as his club doesn't play as if they're intimidated. He wants forwards who allow the coach to roll four lines ... not just talk about it, but actually do it. He seems perfectly content with Boll and Dorsett as the tough guys. And, in his defense, this team does have a lot of hard-to-play-against types. But there is not a heavyweight on the roster.
 
[superjacket] So how come OSU decided to back away from their agreement for concerts at the shot. would not interfere with MASONwide arena?

[portzline] That's something you'd have to ask Ohio State. But -- as we've written in the newspaper previously -- it's had an impact on the Blue Jackets' arena situation.
 
[BrentoSon] Contrary to the mainstream belief now, I believe that having private ownership of an arena is a good thing. We have one of the most beautiful and well kept arenas in the league, due to its private ownership. And I think switching to public run will decrease the arena's value. But realistically it seems that the way all NHL teams are setup economically, (overspending beyond their means) they cannot sustain without public funds. Is this an accurate statement?

[portzline] It's not inaccurate, per se, but perhaps a little too general and simple. There's no doubt that the arena is one of the most beautiful in the NHL. And others that aren't nearly as nice cost twice the amount of Nationwide ($150 million). Every situation is different, however, and the Blue Jackets' having a private building is both a blessing and a curse. Not getting naming rights fees, parking fees, etc., is a huge chunk out of the revenue stream. Most NHL business models include all that to balance the sheet.. The NHL's salary cap should limit a franchise's ability to spend beyond their means.
 
[Don Rickles] Let's play word assocation. I say "classiest NHL organization," you say ...

[portzline] Minnesota Wild ... but that's off the top of my head. By the way, I saw you -- Sharky -- walking out of Katzinger's Deli about 10 years ago. Hope you enjoyed the sandwich.
 
[ans52] Is Filatov pushing for a spot in the top 6? A third line of RJU, Torres and Sammy would be great and the top 2 lines would seem to have a little more scoring. Do you see Filatov making a jump this year if the forwards remain mostly healthy?

[portzline] Oh, he's pushing, but there's a certain coach who keeps pushing back. Filatov is really starting to play well. One of the cheap thrills early this season is listening to Hitchcock field a Filatov question during his media scrum in the middle of the dressing room, and watching Filatov respond -- 15 feet away -- as Hitchcock deconstructs his game and playing time, etc. Hitchcock doesn't flinch or measure his words, and Filatov peels his equipment off and smiles.
 
[Dougie McL is listening] Is there one unsigned player from last season who you would love to have back on the roster?

[portzline] As a reporter, I miss Michael Peca. Judging from a purely on-ice hockey perspective, I'd say ... honestly, no.
 
[twisted wrister] Any idea what Peca is up to these days? Was he surprised the Jackets didn't want him back?

[portzline] He's hanging out in Buffalo, waiting for a call. With all these injuries around the league, I'm sure he was expecting one by now. As for the Blue Jackets, I think he looked around the room last season at all the young players and knew his time in Columbus was not long. After all, he'd gone long into the summer the previous two summers without a deal. My thought: he should play a role in the NHLPA's cleaning project.
 
[jx] looking at the betting odds I see the CBJ are favorites .... do you know if we have ever been the betting favorites against the red wings? I can not remember it.

[portzline] I don't watch that closely. I don't typically bet, but I certainly wouldn't bet on hockey. Way too unpredictable. But that could very well be a first, yes.
 
[brookyndave] How are the players dealing with playing in games that they're now "supposed to win?" Do you get a sense of a shift of mentality in the clubhouse, especially from some of the players that have been on the team for years (Nash, Rusty, Chimera)?

[portzline] I think a big part of that mentality shift is Commodore and Mason. Commodore because he has all the confidence in the world and his attitude is such that everybody thinks they have a chance to win. Mason expects to win. Asked earlier this week if it felt weird to be ahead of Detroit in the standings, he shot back: "It doesn't feel weird, it feels good." Not a big deal to him. Just like stopping Ovechkin in both games last season, just like turning away Crosby and Malkin in the shootout last season. That's a perspective and an attitude that hasn't been seen in these parts. The hope is gone; replaced by belief.
 
[CBJ_Nut] Good to see Boll get some "love" on NHL.com with the No. 1 goal of the week (it WAS a beaut). Where do you see him in the future with the CBJ?

[portzline] Just where he is now. Bouncing between the third and fourth line, depending on his play, and chipping in with fights and the odd goal. And, you're right, that was a rub-your-eyes goal. "Was that Boll?"
 
[Win 4 Hitch 2 night] Great work this year Porty, your efforts are appreciated. Who drops the mitts tonight? Possibly Dorsett & Ericsson?

[portzline] Thank you very much, and thanks for taking part. I wouldn't think Ericsson, but we'll see. Most of the guys on the current club don't remember it, but nobody's said boo to Kirk Maltby about the time he almost castrated Rostislav Klesla on the open door to the Blue Jackets' bench. I'll say Dorsett or Boll has a go with Brad May.
 
[Jacket For Life] Porty, two things. 1. I know you're not a fan, but are you confident tonight? 2. Safe to say that CBJ fans should never take Jan Hejda for granted again?

[portzline] 1. I'm confident it will be a great atmosphere. Too many things can happen to predict an outcome. In the larger sense, however, the gap between the Red Wings and the Blue Jackets is now smaller than its every been. 2. Jan Hejda is a very good defenseman. He cleans up lots of messes. He should never be taken for granted.
 
[anita goal] The music creates such a buzzkill - when will the powers that be get a clue? It is embarrassing to get pumped from a play and then hear an 80s hair band song or watch an infomercial on the jumbotron...

[portzline] If I hear "Come On Ride The Train ..." again, I might jam some of Tom Reed's popcorn kernals in my ears. Baaaaroootal! Go to a game in Chicago sometime and you'll really be left wanting in Nationwide.
 
[woody05] At least among some fans, Huselius has passed Chimera as most likely Jacket be be traded. Do you agree and what do you see as the market for a player like Juice?

[portzline] I'm sure there is one. He's a top six forward with enough skill to make the players better around him. Having said that, I think he's still a much needed player in Columbus. He was not playing well early this season, though, that's for sure. He is streaky, however, and the Blue Jackets knew exactly what they were getting when they signed him.
 
[deathtowings] What can we do to silence the red wings fans at the games? How do so many get in? They are in season ticket holder seats. What gives?

[portzline] One thing that's always struck me when the Red Wings, Penguins or Sabres come to town. Fans for those clubs always seem to start the "Let's Go, Penguins (or whatever)" chant, and the Blue Jackets join by the second stanza, so you get this: "Let's Go, Penguets! (Clap, clap, clap clap clap)." Blue Jackets fans are a wonderful bunch. Love the "LEO!!!" But there needs to be a larger push on nights like this.
 
[Dark Blue Jacket] Hitch didn't clean house with the coaching staff when he came to town. With a little bit of time to see how the shotgun marriage has worked out, what's your perspective? And how is our staff regarded within the league in general?

[portzline] Hard to answer the second part of that question. Gord Murphy, Claude Noel and Gary Agner are all very down-to-earth, fun-loving guys. Not that Hitchcock isn't, but I don't think the players always see that side of him. To me, it really helps to have a few "good cops" on staff when Hitchcock is really riding the players. Beyond, they're smart hockey guys who have spent their lives devoted to playing and coaching the game.
 
[BenFury] Obviously Jan Hejda doesn't get enough credit for his great work with the Blue Jackets. What other Jacket do you see as the biggest "unsung hero"?

[portzline] I've never thought Umberger got enough credit around the league. He's a very tough customer who scores more goals than people realize. Try as they might, no coach has been able to keep him out of the top six, even though his skill is fairly limited.
 
[BrentoSon] Should we be getting more out of Pahlsson? I know good defensive plays are not as noticeable as the obvious offensive play, but Pahlsson to me seems invisible out there at times.

[portzline] Watch him tonight against Datsyuk. When his team gets the matchups they want -- mostly at home, with the second line change -- Pahlsson becomes much more noticeable. He's going to score his first goal of the season and his first goal as a Blue Jacket tonight, too. If I'm right, you heard it hear first.
 
[LeoWelsh] Do you have a report on Cam Ward? If he is unable to go, does Mason get bumped up to the olympic squad?

[portzline] Ward is back in Raleigh, N.C., should be out at least two or three more weeks. Scary, scary stuff. I would bet/hope he returns wearing a knee/thigh protector like Mason and Garon wear. As for Team Canada in the Olympics, this might not have any effect at all if he's back in one month. But I see Brodeur, Luongo and Fleury as the favorites, anyway.
 
[witthockey14] To me it looks like Hitch looks for reasons to bench filatov, the kid makes mistakes around the offensive blue line but so do a number of players on our team. Any chance you could shed some light on this? Im tired of watching one our most electrifying and promising talents sit.

[portzline] Hitchcock will coach his 1,000th NHL game tonight. I've had a few good seasons in front of the tube playing EA Sports, so I'll not tell him he's wrong. But Hitchcock is known to trust veteran players and really NOT trust young players, especially those who have enough skill to take chances with the puck. The kid is really making it hard on Hitchcock, but that's probably what the coach was looking to see. All will be fine, I'm sure.
 
[bluejacketsfanwpsl] I feel like the CBJ of years past never woulda won the Atl game. We had a chance to take a step and thump the Canes. Now we have another opportunity to take a step and send the DRW fans home unhappy. Do you see it that way or a game's a game's a game?

[portzline] I wouldn't put too much on one game, such as tonight. But I think you're right about the first two points. They would have lost the ATL game 5-4 or 6-5 in a shootout. They would have lost the Carolina game 4-1 if Mason weren't out of his mind in the first two periods. Baby steps. It's the youngest club in the NHL. So far, they're ahead of the curve.
 
[oxcamel] Your feelings on the Glencross hit. Was it worthy of a 3 game suspension?

[portzline] It was senseless, but it didn't look that nasty, at least the clip that I saw. Funny that it hasn't generated more response, and I think that's why. It wasn't a monstrous open-ice hit like Mitchell on Toews or Scuderi on Chimera. It sure looked like Glencross targeted Drury's head as their paths crossed, so I don't mind a suspension, I suppose.
 
[BrentoSon] Everyone keeps saying that Detroit will turn back to their winning ways, which has yet to happen. Are the injuries of Franzen, Filppula and Williams really to blame for un-redwing like play of late?

[portzline] They certainly don't help, especially when you tack on the free agency losses over the summer -- Hossa, Samuelsson, Hudler. All tolled, that's 128 goals (not counting Williams) out of the lineup from a year ago. As I wrote in the paper today, they're still a talented club. But the margin for error is a lot slimmer now. They can't get away with shoddy defense and poor goaltending like they did last season. They have to play well in all areas to win. This, folks, is the salary cap at work.
 
[superjacket] Now that our secondary scoring is lighting up the net do you think Nash might feel more relaxed and holding his stick a bit lighter as a good playmaker does?

 
[portzline] I think Nash is so used to the pressure of scoring that he knows no other way. He could enter the 50-goal range this season if this keeps up. The other point is, if the Blue Jackets give opponents other threats to worry about, Nash will be all the better for it.
 
[Rob_(moderator)] Brace yourself ...
 
[KevinD] Any chance we see Garon tonight? Or is Mason in net?

[portzline] It is Mason. But, as of last night, it was Jimmy Howard -- not Chris Osgood -- going for the Red Wings.
 
[ajinbo] Last season and so far this season, the Jackets have been leaving points on the table in shootout losses. Every shooter for us seems to try to wait until the last minute and ends up getting poke checked or missing the net. Do they practice the shootout at all? Nash can score with three guys on his back, but can't score in the shootout?

[portzline] They have practiced it once this season that I recall. So far, they're 0 for 5 on shootout attempts, which means ... they're due!
 
[bluejacketsfanwpsl] were you surprised that three former Jackets were "Glue Guys" in the recent Hockey News? were there other candidates from your view?

[portzline] Tough question. I'd have to look at each club's situation and spend significant time in their room to know where they fit.
 
[Be Nice Rob] Is it true that the North Market Fish Guys no longer carry squid or octopus when the Wings are in town? (Let's give some cred to Rob the Moderator - great job, Rob!)

[portzline] FYI: Jimmy Howard's first start vs. Columbus tonight. He's faced them once before, but in mop-up duty when Chris Osgood got yanked on Feb. 15, 2008, a 5-1 Blue Jackets win in Joe Louis Arena.
 
[portzline] Funny you mention that. I was looking for a squid platter for lunch and they were all out. You know what, I will check on that. Very interesting question.
 
[Harry Caray] osgood...has the panic button been pushed by det mgt?

[portzline] What's weird is, his numbers as of today are dramatically better than they were at this point last season: 2.77 and .902 vs. 3.30 and .881. But, again, the margin for error is gone. He's 6-3-2 this year despite the better numbers. Last year, with the awful numbers, he was 8-1-3 through his first 12 starts. That tells the story.
 
[Rob_(moderator)] Not a question but a good way to wrap it up:
 
[Taylor810] A little off topic, but just sayin' .... if, in your travels today, you encounter a Veteran .... THANK THEM!!!
 
[Rob_(moderator)] Thanks, everybody. Another great job, Porty. We'll have a chat transcript posted on Dispatch.com and BlueJacketsXtra.com in a couple of minutes. See you next week, same time and place. That's a wrap.
 
[portzline] Thanks for the questions everybody. Enjoy the game tonight.