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, everyone. Thaw out those keyboards and start sending your questions for Porty. Puck drops at noon. Thanks.
 
[Rob_(moderator)] Ready to roll, Porty?
 
[Portzline] Shovels down. Let's talk.
 
[Ryan31] I have read The Dispatch's articles about how much the players enjoy Claude as a coach. How much of a chance does he really have to be our next perminent coach? If the players really like him, shouldn't he be a serious candidate?

[Portzline] Still too early to tell. I think he has a chance. GM Scott Howson has said as much. If they go on a roll to end the season, it will be a bold move to step outside the organization, but I wouldn't rule it out even then. I would also caution against keeping a guy around just because the players like him. Good leaders have a touch of fear in their game.
 
[ThankYouHowsen] Remember two years ago, when the young, last place Washington Capitals fired their coach mid-season, and the replacement coach, one who new how to use young players, led them on a run to grab the last playoff berth? Look at Washington now. Can the Jackets make a similiar turn-around? The thought give me chills.

[Portzline] They could make a similar turn-around, sure, but there's a huge difference in the two situations. Bruce Boudreau was hired as interim coach much earlier in the season, I want to say late November or early December. That left plenty of time for a turn-around. The Blue Jackets' situation under Noel is much more desperate. They could go 18-4 the rest of the way and still not get into the playoffs. If that's the case, expect the Blue Jackets to take a lot of grief for waiting too long to make the change.
 
[Jacket For Life] Porty, it's likely that the CBJ will be relatively quiet during Free Agency in July and August. But, is there a guy or two out there we should keep an eye on who could help this team take the next step?

[Portzline] My opinion is they'll be more active pursuing trades than free agents. Whether they move Torres or Modin at the trade deadline or not, both are highly unlikely to be back next season. That leads me to believe they'd be interested in a third- or fourth-line winger. How would you like Steve Ott and Derek Dorsett on the same line? Ott is a free agent.
 
[vantim] Do you think we'll see a fight tonight with Shelly and Boll? After seeing how bad Shelly beat Orr I'm not thinking it would be a good idea for Boll? Also any trade rumors in C-bus or elsewhere?

[Portzline] Boll and Shelley probably won't square off unless there's a flare-up in the game, and even then I don't know that I'd bank on it. Lots of trade rumors, but nothing concrete as of yet. The Blue Jackets have not had any talks with Raffi Torres' agent regarding an extension, and they have not asked Fredrik Modin to waive his no-trade clause. We shall see.
 
[KonopkaForLife] With Hitch gone, do the chances of the Jackets acquiring and actually playing an enforcer with regularity increase?

[Portzline] Yes, they increase. I don't know that Howson is totally enthralled with the idea, but Hitchcock was absolutely opposed to it. My guess is it depends on what the next coach desires. If he wants that, Howson would go get it for him. They come fairly cheap. And, you know, that Shelley guy is a UFA this summer.
 
[sharkbait] I spent $185 on lower bowl seats for tonight's game. how do the CBJ avoid becoming "my name" tonight?

[Portzline] It's a pick-your-poison game. The Sharks are deadly at even-strength and in the NHL's top three for both power play and penalty kill. I would suggest two strategies: 1. Pretend it's the playoffs (that always troubles San Jose); 2. Get out-of-the-world goaltending from Steve Mason, who has been very hot of late.
 
[Ryan31] It seems that Filatov is getting lots of publicity with the KHL and he takes every oppertunity to discuss the CBJ in those interviews. He is a great talent, but do we really want him back in Columbus? Would it be smarter to trade him at the deadline, draft, or summer? Or keep him around and see how things go chemistry wise next season?

[Portzline] At this point, I would keep him around. He is a lethal talent, plus you suffered through an entire season (2007-08) for the right to select him high in the entry draft. I don't see him being traded. Howson and Filatov met for more than an hour at the World Junior Championship in Saskatchewan. Filatov kept the conversation going, too, he wanted to talk all night. After that, you'll notice that Filatov's quotes have dried up. Howson says he didn't tell Filatov to "shut up", but it sure looks as if the message was conveyed.
 
[wee ice mon] When people discuss changes on the blue line next year, what are we looking at? Are we looking at more offensive D-men, like Russell, to support the rush, or are we looking at more physically talented, but "stay at home" types?

[Portzline] That's changed, too. Hitchcock wanted another thumper for the back-end, a physical stay-at-home type. Noel made it pretty clear on Sunday when talking about Russell, saying the club could use another guy back there like that. I would agree with him, especially in today's NHL. Russell has become a bona fide weapon. Stralman is skilled, too, but in a different way. They need another puck-transporter back there. To facilitate this, one of the following will need to be moved: Hejda, Commodore, Tyutin or Klesla, and Commodore's contract would be difficult to trade given the season he's had. Don't forget that John Moore is on the way, too.

[Eric] Has there been any talks with Torres and his agent? Seems like if we lose him, we will have find another Torres type player to fill the spot he already occupies.

[Portzline] There have been no talks with his agent, at least through yesterday afternoon.
 
[FormerLeafsFan] A while ago, you mentioned the possibility of a live Cannon Fodder. Any progess on this? Did I miss it? I think it's a great idea.

[Portzline] No progress. It's dead in the water for now. Maybe it's something we can revisit in advance of last season.
 
[Ryan] Who exactly is it that picks the three "stars of the game" that they announce on the ice right after the game?

[Portzline] It used to be a selected member of the media, a different reporter every night, somebody who covered the club as a beat and was a press box regular. Now, to be honest, I'm not sure how it's done. I know a certain local GM who used to get riled up about the choices. I believe that's how the format got changed. The three stars in The Dispatch each day are chosen by me, Tom, Michael Arace or Bob "Hunts" Hunter.
 
[runandgun] How has the perception of the Jackets changed, if at all, since we let Hitch go and played two amazing games? When we started this season out like gang busters, it seemed like the league and pundits gave us little respect and thought underneath our play was weakness. Are we dealing with something similar here, or do you think the league recognizes our talent and potential?

[Portzline] Truth is, people won't spend much time studying the Blue Jackets until they rise above 26th in the overall standings. Lots of folks were surprised to see Hitchcock let go, because he's very highly respected in the sport of hockey. It's been dismissed by many -- incorrectly -- as players quitting on a coach.
 
[Jeff W] Before Noel, the team would collapse after they fell behind. Under Noel, they've never trailed. How important is for them to get a come-from-behind win?

[Portzline] Well, they never hurt. I don't think any specific kind of win is more important than any other. Just win, baby. Having said that, it will be interesting to see how they respond after giving up a lead or giving up a first goal.
 
[Murph] AP-Are you making the trip to Sweeden next spring?

[Portzline] I would certainly hope so, but that's a bridge that hasn't been crossed yet. All in good time. Other newspapers have sent a reporter (or two) to bring the magnitude of the event back home. I've been kicking coverage ideas around in my head. I think it would be great to do a live piece from each of the players' home towns. These will be so much more than just games. It'll be great.
 
[Duffman] Are there any in-house complaints about Noel yet like there were about Hitch and the way he coaches?

[Portzline] No, and let's be clear here. The players did not hate Hitchcock. They didn't quit on him, not consciously, anyway. Picture a married couple. Just because the marriage doesn't work out, it doesn't mean the husband or the wife are bad people. It CAN mean that, certainly, and it could have gotten ugly in Columbus, too. But what kept the players from an outright revolt is the understanding that Hitchcock wanted what was best for the players, and truly felt he was pursuing the path toward that. He had the best intentions. But, as good as he is at breaking down the game of hockey, he struggled at connecting to individual players. They were lost. And the more they got lost, the more they wandered, deeper in the woods. Back to the marriage analogy. Right now Noel is on his honeymoon.
 
[ricklova] Do you think that Rick Nash's game has improved much? Sometimes this season he looks slow, and I was wondering if Noel's new process makes him play faster and harder than he did with Hitch. Sometimes he looked lazy... if you will.

[Portzline] I wouldn't quite agree with lazy, but he was part of a group that got demoralized in certain games this season. Is that troubling? Perhaps. But Nash has been driving the bus for years around here. I've got no beef with his effort.
 
[ol'centerman] Two things, first when and why did the NHL change to the dark jersey's for home games ? I really like the white/light better. Also, the Rangers must havr thr worst Arean lighting in the NHL. Whey doesn't the League make them get better ?

[Portzline] Don't recall the when, but they've mixed it up to give the locals a different look and perhaps -- perhaps, I say -- increase sweater sales. "Go get yours today at the gift shop, open daily from ... " Don't know about Madison Square Garden. It's a great place to see a game live. I've always thought Edmonton was the darkest barn, but ...
 
[rs] Do you question the timing of the change ie almost impossible for the new coach (whoever it might have been) to have a serious chance of a playoff run?

[Portzline] Well, it is fair to ask if they waited to long. My hunch -- and nobody will confirm this -- is that Howson would have made the change earlier if ownership would have been on board. But they waited, for reasons that have been detailed in this space and others.
 
[Duffman] Are we trading Umberger and Torres?..if so...who would you like the club to bring in?

[Portzline] Umberger is safe as kittens. Don't worry about him moving. I would be similarly surprised if Torres weren't traded, probably for a draft pick or a prospect.
 
[Lee] Will management make a smart move and drop ticket prices for the remaining games to get butts in the seats?

[Portzline] No. Can't say that for certain, but color me shocked if they would consider it.
 
[Happy Pony] Are we seeing that Caude No L (as well as Murphy and Agnew) disagreed with Hitch on some of his player choices, i.e. scratching Jurcina, playing Russell more, or is it simply a case of Caude giving everyone a chance to prove their worth since the post season is a pipe dream at this point?

[Portzline] No, I think there were differences of opinion. Keep in mind, that's not unusual. What's really cool about how Noel has approached -- and, remember now, we're only two games to his "era" -- is that he hasn't hemmed and hawed about what he wants to do. He has put down the gauntlet and run the team just as he would from the start of the season. He's incorporated, obviously, a different approach with the young players, and he's run practice different, too. The "Herbies" (or were those "Claudies") the other day in practice were a real departure, too.
 
[Raffiman14] Porty, it seems to me that Brassard has taken a huge leap backwards this year. Do you think that Noel can turn him back into a decent center if not a superstar, or his he really messed up?

[Portzline] Well, he took a step and a half backward. To me, beginning a month ago, he took a half step forward. He's going to be an exceptional player, and he's started to show that the last two games. Great set-up for Stralman in the Buffalo game. No, he's not really messed up.
 
[Carlina CBJ Fan] Is there a lock on the Captains "C" contract wise with Rick Nash? If not, have there been any rumblings about the "C" going to someone other NASHER? Say UMBERGER...

[Portzline] No, there's nothing in his contract about the `C', but there's no chance they strip the "C" away from him. That would set the player and the organization back big-time. It would be a public embarrassment to a player who just signed an eight-year contract extension and stands as the face of the franchise. Why would they do that?
 
[bcs_dunn44] I know everyone is saying that Mike Commodore is lazy and a crappy player and a huge waste of cap space. I completely disagree with that though. I think Commodore just had a crappy off season and i think once he is better he will be back to being the number 1 defenseman. Whats your take on the situation?

[Portzline] I agree with you, but I'll keep a skeptical eye out this summer just in case. Don't know where you've read that Commodore is lazy, crappy and a waste of space. It hasn't come from Dispatch coverage. I believe we've covered his season in a very responsible way, though it has been a poor season.
 
[Duffman] How many cheesy marry proposals are we going to see at Sundays game?

[Portzline] Oh, I know. I keep dreaming of a day when the bride says no. That actually happened to a friend of mine at Wrigley Field one time. He got crushed right there in front of God, Harry Caray and everybody. For the life of me ... who would want to have that experience on a Jumbotron in front of 16,000 strangers? Eesh.
 
[JSav22] Could we see Fedor Tyutin moved at the deadline for a pick that can be moved in the offseason for a #1 D-man or will Howson keep him until at least the draft?

[Portzline] I don't think Howson wants to trade Tyutin. I don't think he wants to trade Hejda or Klesla, either. But he might realize that he has to, and if that's the case the right deal could get done. I wouldn't bet on it at the deadline, but who knows?
 
[cnyjackets] Whats the plans for over the olympic break? Covering the olympics? Prospects playing in the outdoor classic in Syracuse?

[Portzline] We'll have sporadic coverage of the Blue Jackets. We'll cover the club as warranted, and we'll certainly cover news. The players are due back on Feb. 24, so our daily coverage will pick back up on that day. There will be plenty of hockey in the paper.
 
[I_miss_Hitch] Any idea were hitch is right now? I presume he is scouting in Europe somewhere.

[Portzline] No, no. Not in Europe. He's off to Vancouver tomorrow to begin Team Canada work. Good for him, too. He needs to get out of Columbus, and he needs a project in his hands.
 
[zimmy] Do either of you suspect that Nash has been playing hurt/injured through December and January? His style & speed just now seem to be getting back in form after a couple months of absence.

[Portzline] Nash gets banged up a lot. He's not the type to advertise his injuries, but if he were hurt, he would have missed more practices and we (hopefully) would have picked up on it.
 
[LeoWelsh] With the season beginning overseas next season, how many less home games do we have? Do all the teams participating lose the same ammount?

[Portzline] Yes, one game vs. San Jose will count as a home game and one will count as a road game. So, there will be 40 regular-season home games in Nationwide Arena next season.
 
[Larry Peck] When I buy a $9 beer, does any and how much of that money goes to the Jackets?

[Portzline] Good question. I have no idea. I can ask around, but they don't have to tell me, as it's a private company. My guess is they do pretty well on beer sales.

[Dark Blue Jacket] If the Hitchcock firing wasn't players quitting on a coach, what was it?

[Portzline] The relationship wasn't working. The young players were shells of themselves. The goalie was a wreck. The message was stale and the identity of the club was lost. If you saw the club, you couldn't miss this. Now, it remains to be seen if the Noel "era" will be all Champagne and roses. It's only been two games. But the fresh approach seems to be working so far.
 
[starman] I noticed in this morning's standings that if the Blue Jackets played in the East Conference, they'd be only 4 points out of a playoff spot. Should that make me feel better on this miserable day?

[Portzline] No. If you were in Miami right now, it would be 65 degrees. But you're not in Miami. You're in Ohio. It's 22 degrees. And the Blue Jackets are in the Western Conference. Deal. Sorry.
 
[Grey] The Canadian hockey sites say that the Jackets are suffering thru poor goaltending this season... Any chance that Mason gets moved at the trade deadline

[Portzline] No. No. No. Not a chance. Not going to happen.
 
[gary] Any idea what Danny Gare is up to these days. I'd love to see him back to replace Bill Davidge.

[Portzline] Gare is going to broadcast the Crunch's outdoor game with current Blue Jackets radio commentator Bob McElligot for the NHL Network. Good for Gare. One of the NHL's good guys.
 
[Rob_(moderator)] One more, and this no doubt is on everyone's mind:
 
[Ryan] What was your favorite commercial during the Superbowl?

[Portzline] Honestly, I couldn't name one commercial. We had a gathering of about 30 people. I barely watched the game, to be honest. Smithwicks.

[Rob_(moderator)] Thanks, everyone. A chat transcript will be posted on Dispatch.com and BlueJacketsXtra.com in a minute or two. See you next week. That's a wrap.
 
[Portzline] Great questions. Thanks a lot. Chat next week.