Michael Arace

@michaelarace1

Sportswriter in Columbus. Proprietor, Disrespected Media LLC, which focuses on pro sports in Ohio's largest city. Visit thedisrespected.com to support independent, local media.

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Michael Arace@michaelarace1· 25d

This dropped this morning from #Crew96

Columbus Crew acquire defender Eric Bailly press release.

COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have acquired free agent defender Eric Bailly, who most recently played for Spain’s Real Oviedo and boasts 12 seasons of La Liga and Premier League experience. Bailly is guaranteed through June 2027 with Club options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 MLS campaigns. Bailly will occupy an international roster slot and officially join the roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.

Bailly most recently played for Real Oviedo (2025-26) after tenures with RCD Espanyol (2014-15), Villarreal CF (2015-16; 2023-25), Manchester United FC (2016-23), Olympique de Marseille (2022-23) and Beşiktaş (2023).

The Bingerville, Ivory Coast, native joined Manchester United ahead of the 2016-17 season. Across seven seasons with the Red Devils, Bailly recorded one goal and one assist in 113 appearances while helping the club win the UEFA Europa League (2016-17), EFL Cup (2016-17) and FA Community Shield (2016). He made 11 appearances during Manchester United's UEFA Europa League-winning campaign and one appearance during the club's EFL Cup-winning run. Bailly also played the full 90 minutes in the club's 2-1 victory over Leicester City in the 2016 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.

During his first stint with Villarreal from 2015 through 2016, Bailly made 50 appearances, recording one goal and one assist. He returned to the club in December 2023 for a second spell, adding 22 appearances.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· 28d

#Crew96 slapped an AI jacket on this guy and named him an assistant coach. Formerly of the Portland Timbers.

photo of new Crew assistant coach Shannon Murray.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jul 12

#Crew96 and Burnley have hit a hydration break at the 30-minute mark. Score: 0-0.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jul 2

COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have acquired Brais Méndez as a Designated Player from La Liga’s Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder – who will occupy an international roster slot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa – will be added to the Crew roster when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 13. His contract runs through the 2028-29 season with a Club option for the 2029-30 campaign.

“We are excited to add Brais to our team and welcome him to Columbus. His high-level technical skillset and understanding of the game, displayed in one of the best leagues in the world, will have a positive impact on our roster,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. “The addition of Brais gives our team another talented player for the short- and long-term, and we look forward to his arrival as we look to push during the second part of our season.”

Méndez joins the Black & Gold after nearly a decade in Spain’s top flight, where he recorded 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches for Real Sociedad. Méndez helped the side qualify for the UEFA Champions League following the 2022-23 season. He appeared in seven matches and scored three goals in Champions League play, including the opening goal of a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan during his tournament debut on Sept. 20, 2023.

Earlier this year, Méndez helped lead Real Sociedad to a Copa Del Rey title, capped with a win over Atletico Madrid in penalties (2-2, 4-3) on April 19.

A Celta Vigo youth product, Méndez made his professional debut on Sept. 21, 2017, earning the start in a 1-1 draw against Getafe. He scored his first senior goal in March 31, 2018, notching the equalizer in the 92nd minute to help his side earn a point against Athletic Bilbao. He featured in 166 matches, amassing 22 goals and 18 assists before heading to Real Sociedad.

After representing Spain at various youth levels, Méndez posted the game-winning goal in his senior international debut during a 1-0 friendly victory over Bo…

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jul 1

We've all been waiting for Z to speak. Well, here it is: #CBJ

Statement from Don Waddell
Earlier this spring, Zach and I met and talked about his future with the Blue Jackets beyond his current contract and he indicated that he wasn’t sure what the future would hold with regards to staying with the club or possibly moving on. During those discussions, we talked about me exploring opportunities to move him now and we all agreed if there was a deal to be made that I would bring it to him.

We found something that would work for the club and took it to him. After some time and discussions with his family, Zach informed us that he didn’t want to leave Columbus. He has invested a great deal in this organization and after coming close and falling short the past two seasons, his desire is to win here and get this team back into the playoffs.

The past two seasons have been very challenging ones, but also ones of growth for our team. Our goals from ownership on down and Zach’s goals are the same… to win now, return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and win a Stanley Cup. Our city and fans deserve nothing less and we are all on the same page working towards that end. Zach has been a very important part of this organization and our community for a long time, and we couldn’t be happier that he will continue to be moving forward.

Statement from Zach Werenski
Don and I have had very open and honest dialogue since the season ended. Ideally, this wouldn’t have become such a public thing but that is the world we live in now and everything got blown out of proportion in my opinion. I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus. As I’ve thought about things and discussed everything with my wife and family, we want to be in Columbus. It has been my home for the past 10 years and I have always been proud to be a Blue Jacket. We have the best fans in the NHL. I love my teammates and coaches and I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to get us back in the playoffs to compete for a Stanley Cup. Don and I are completely aligned on…

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jul 1

Organizational depth:

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed right wing Riley Bezeau to a one-year, two-way National Hockey League/American Hockey League contract for the 2026-27 season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today.

“Riley is a physical and hard-working forward that competes every shift,” said Waddell. “He has earned his opportunity and we look forward to see his further growth in the Blue Jackets organization.”

Bezeau, 24, has registered 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points with 244 penalty minutes in 131 career AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters and Charlotte Checkers since making his professional debut in 2022-23. Originally undrafted, he set AHL career highs with Charlotte during his rookie campaign, notching 5-3-8 and 84 PIM in 51 outings. He has added four goals in 15 career Calder Cup Playoff games.

The 6-0, 187-pound forward tied his single-season career high in goals this past season with Cleveland, notching 5-2-7 with 74 PIM in 24 games played, ranking third-T on the team in penalty minutes. He also led the Monsters in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs with 39 PIM in eight games.

A native of Mansfield, Massachussetts, Bezeau played junior hockey for the Saint John Seadogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2019-22, collecting 17-21-38 with 105 PIM in 93 career games. Serving as an alternate captain in 2021-22, he set QMJHL career highs with 11-16-27 and 83 PIM in 56 contests and helped the club win the Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup championship in 2022 with 2-2-4 in five playoff games.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jul 1

Third-string goalie depth above. A fourth-line agitator here:

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Ryan Lomberg to a two-year, $2.6 million contract ($1.3 million AAV) through the 2027-28 National Hockey League season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today.

“We’re very pleased to add Ryan Lomberg to the Blue Jackets family,” said Waddell. “He is a high-energy player who is an excellent skater, plays with tenacity and his experience and character will be a great addition to our team.”

Lomberg, 31, has registered 35 goals and 37 assists for 72 points with 475 penalty minutes, 807 hits and 465 shots on goal in 394 career games with the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers over eight NHL seasons. He registered 4-5-9, 59 PIM and 129 hits in 57 appearances with the Flames in 2025-26. He has added 3-0-3 and 64 PIM in 32 career playoff outings and helped the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup championship.

The Richmond Hill, Ontario native signed an entry level contract with Calgary and skated in 11 contests with the club over two seasons from 2017-19. He registered 28-21-49 with 327 PIM and 535 hits in 246 games with Florida over four seasons from 2020-24. He set a career high in goals, points, penalty minutes and games played in 2022-23 with 12-8-20, 88 PIM in 82 outings. He then set a career high in hits the following campaign with 179 in 75 contests.

The 5-9, 184-pound winger has added 49-60-109 and 365 PIM in 219 career games over five seasons in the American Hockey League with the Stockton Heat from 2015-20. He also recorded 18-17-35 and 48 PIM in 43 outings with the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder in 2015-16.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jul 1

With all the other crap going on, it's easy to forget today is the first day of the free-agent signing season. #CBJ adding depth. I'll try to string it along here for a one-stop shop:

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Pheonix Copley to a contract for the 2026-27 National Hockey League season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today.

“Pheonix is a proven NHL goaltender who brings a strong work ethic, valuable experience and dependable depth to our organization,” said Waddell. “He is a great fit for our club, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the Blue Jackets.”

Copley, 34, has posted a 44-17-8 record with a 2.85 goals-against average (GAA), .898 save percentage (SV%) and three shutouts in 78 career games with the Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues over eight NHL campaigns from 2015-26. He made one appearance with Los Angeles in 2025-26, posting a 3.07 GAA and .893 SV%.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jul 1

Here's the official #Crew96 announcement from this morning:

COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have acquired defender Andrés Herrera from Argentina’s River Plate for an undisclosed transfer fee. Herrera – who has recorded 43 regular season appearances (29 starts) for the Crew while on loan the past two years – is under contract through the 2028-29 campaign with a Club option for the 2029-30 season. He will occupy an international roster slot and return to Columbus’ roster when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 13, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.

"Andrés has been a great fit for our Club’s desired style of play and culture, and we are delighted that he will continue his career in Columbus,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. "Since he arrived to Columbus, he's displayed his positive attitude, competitiveness and strong work ethic every day. We look forward to his continued contributions and development as a member of the Black & Gold."

“I am very happy to stay with the Columbus Crew,” said Herrera. “I am excited to continue to contribute to the team and win more championships together. My family and I are very happy to continue this chapter of our lives. Let's go for more!”

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 30

New Cannon Balls podcast soon to post at Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other platforms, including my YouTube channel. #CBJ

Michael Arace of TheDisrespected.com hosts ESPN's John Buccigross on ESPN on the latest episode of the Cannon Balls podcast. Bucci on the Zach Werenski situation: "I was pretty pissed."

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 29

#Crew96 #VamosColumbus Name: Lautaro Darío Giaccone Position: Midfielder Height: 5’8” Born: Feb. 1, 2001, in San Francisco, Argentina Citizenship: Argentina Acquired: Via loan on June 29, 2026 Previous Experience: Rosario Central (2021-25), Ferro Carril (2022), Argentinos Juniors (2025-26)

COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew have acquired midfielder Lautaro Giaccone from Argentinos Juniors of the Argentine Primera División via loan through June 2027, which includes a Club option for a permanent transfer. Giaccone – who will occupy an international roster slot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa – will be added to the Crew roster when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 13.

“Lautaro is a creative, dynamic player who can contribute to our Club in multiple ways,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. “Lautaro's versatility and abilities fit our style of play on both sides of the ball, and we are excited to incorporate him into our team.”

Giaccone joins the Crew after scoring one goal and adding one assist in 29 matches for Argentinos Juniors from 2025-26.

A product of the Rosario Central Academy, the midfielder made his first team debut in January 2021 and totaled 92 appearances for the club, recording eight goals and 11 assists until his transfer to Argentinos Juniors. He additionally scored two goals and provided four assists in 28 matches while on loan to Ferro Carril in 2022.
Born in San Francisco, Argentina, Giaccone represented his nation at the Under-18 level.

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew acquire Lautaro Giaccone on loan from Argentino Juniors, announced on June 29, 2026. The loan runs through June 2027 and includes a Club option for the permanent transfer.

Name: Lautaro Darío Giaccone
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’8”
Born: Feb. 1, 2001, in San Francisco, Argentina
Citizenship: Argentina
Acquired: Via loan on June 29, 2026
Previous Experience: Rosario Central (2021-25), Ferro Carril (2022), Argentinos Juniors (2025-26)

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 25

Warm up for the #NHLDraft at my website tomorrow morning, #CBJ fans. We'll be covering a lot of ground.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired right wing Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (43rd overall from St. Louis via Pittsburgh), and Columbus’s third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and fifth-round pick in 2028, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today.

Nichushkin, 31, has registered 154 goals and 203 assists for 357 points, 112 penalty minutes, 41 power play goals, 24 game-winning goals and six shorthanded tallies with a cumulative +109 plus/minus rating on 16:25 of ice time in 627 career games over 11 NHL campaigns with the Avalanche and Dallas Stars. In 72 outings this past season, he collected 17-32-49, 26 PIM and was +9, while averaging 17:44 time on ice.

"Valeri is a big, strong forward who skates exceptionally well, can score goals, win puck battles and doesn’t shy away from playing in the hard areas,” said Waddell. “He is an accomplished two-way player who competes at a high level and we are very excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family."

The 6-4, 210-pound native of Chelyabinsk, Russia also has appeared in 91 career games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying 28-15-43 with 26 PIM, six PP goals and four game-winners in nine postseasons. He racked up a career-high 9-6-15 in 20 games to help Colorado capture the 2022 Stanley Cup championship.

Nichushkin (pronounced nih-CHOOSH-kihn) was selected by Dallas in the first round, 10th overall, at the 2013 NHL Draft. He tallied 14-20-34, 8 PIM and was +20 in 79 games as a rookie in 2013-14 and went on to notch 23-51-74, 22 PIM and a +13 plus/minus rating in 223 games with the Stars between 2013-19. During that time, he spent the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons playing with CSKA in the KHL.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 25

We won't know more about Zach Werenski, and whether or not he has asked for a trade, for a day or two or three. (A lot of smoke there, though, eh?) #CBJ #NHL #NHLDraft

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 23

#CBJ

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS ANNOUNCE 2026 PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Club to also participate in Prospect Tournament from September 12-15 in Detroit, Michigan
COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Columbus Blue Jackets will play a four-game preseason schedule, including two home contests at Nationwide Arena, prior to the 2026-27 National Hockey League season, the club announced today. Columbus will play a home and road series against the Detroit Red Wings as well as face the Buffalo Sabres (road) and Pittsburgh Penguins (home). The Blue Jackets' announcement of the team's 2026 preseason schedule is presented by Ticketmaster.
Columbus will play its four-game preseason slate over six days from September 21-26. The club opens the schedule with a back-to-back set on Monday, September 21 against the Red Wings at Nationwide Arena before visiting the Sabres on Tuesday, September 22. The team will then host the Penguins on Thursday, September 24 and close out the schedule with a road contest at the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, September 26. All preseason games will start at 7 p.m.
ET.
The club's complete 2026-27 regular season schedule as well as ticket information will be announced at later dates.
Columbus' complete 2026 preseason schedule can be found below (home games in bold):
Monday, Sept. 21 vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 24 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 26 at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m. ET
The Blue Jackets will begin preparations for the 2026-27 campaign at the

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 19

Great time at #BuddDairyFoodHall today. Live pod with Frankie and Duncan. Watch party #USMNT 2-0 over #socceroos. Thanks for coming, everyone. #Crew96

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 19

USMNT-Australia pre-game live podcast of the Crewcible will begin at 2 p.m. It's streaming live at CBusSports.com

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 19

@jasonhoover.bsky.social I have your T-Shirt. @morganhughes.bsky.social made it orange. It'll be at today's event at #BuddDairyFoodHall. Live pod at 2 p.m., watch party at 3 p.m. #USMNT #socceroos. I'm bringing a T-Shirt cannon, and it is Mrs. Arace. #FIFAWorldCup #UnionYes #Crew96 #VamosColumbus

Picture of Mrs. Arace throwing a T-Shirt.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 19

I knew John F. Wolfe enough to know he didn't like unions. In the name of solidarity, eschew the J.F. Wolfe Columbus Commons and go to #BuddDairyFoodHall for today's Crewcible live pod (2 p.m.) and #USMNT vs. #socceroos watch party (3 p.m). 10 kitchens, 3 bars, Disrespect. #Crew96 #FIFAWorldCup

Budd Dairy Food Hall, site of today's live Crewcible podcast and #USMNT vs. #socceroos watch party.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 19

Join me and two Columbus Crew legends - former New Zealand international Duncan Oughton and former U.S. international Frankie Hejduk - today for a live episode of The Crewcible podcast: #BuddDairyFoodHall at 2 p.m; watch party for #USMNT vs. #Socceroos starts at 3 p.m. #FIFAWorldCup #Crew96

Duncan Oughton, Michael Arae and Frankie Hejduk posing together at a bar.

Michael Arace@michaelarace1· Jun 19

Join me and two Crew legends - former New Zealand international Duncan Oughton and former U.S. international Frankie Hejduk - today for a live episode of The Crewcible podcast: #BuddDairyFoodHall at 2 p.m. Watch party for #USMNT vs. #Socceroos starts at 3 p.m. #FIFAWorldCup #Crew96