Front & Nationwide: A show about the Columbus Blue Jackets
302 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 83 ratingsAaron Portzline of The Athletic breaks down the latest news surrounding the Columbus Blue Jackets and touches on topics from around the NHL
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Episodes
A big offseason of change on the horizon for the Columbus Blue Jackets
April 10, 2024 17:51 - 54 minutesAaron Portzline returns with an all new Front and Nationwide discussing the impending off season of change for the Blue Jackets with three games left in a disappointing season. Aaron and the fanbase discuss the most important moves including a new General Manager, possibly a new head coach, starting goaltender and much needed depth. Plus, who takes the legendary Jeff Rimer's spot as the voice of the Blue Jackets, next year on the TV telecasts? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
The Blue Jackets must promote their young talent
March 21, 2024 19:57 - 58 minutesAaron Portzline returns with a new episode of Front and Nationwide, answering your Blue Jackets questions on Pascal Vincent's coaching style and his distribution of minutes, Alex Nylander's ceiling, the General Manager search, if Elvis Merzļikins might be bought out in the off-season, if owner John P. McConnell might address the fan base at the end of the season, David Jiricek future with the Jackets and why Dmitry Voronkov isn't receiving more love as a candidate for the Calder Trophy? Learn...
Blue Jackets at the trade deadline, and is criticism of Pascal Vincent fair?
March 07, 2024 19:40 - 1 hourAaron takes your questions on the trade deadline, what players might be in play for the Blue Jackets, he provides an update on the General Manager search, touches on the benching of Kirill Marchenko and if head coach Pascal Vincent might be in over his head this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets have the 3rd best prospect pool in the NHL
March 01, 2024 00:45 - 1 hourScott Wheeler, national hockey writer for the Athletic joins Aaron Portzline on Front and Nationwide to discuss the Blue Jackets ranking of third best prospect pool in the NHL and takes your questions on many of the Blue Jackets prospects including Kent Johnson, David Jiricek and Gavin Brindley. Plus, Aaron provides an update on injured youngster Adam Fantilli and John Davidson's scouting trip to Cleveland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who will be the next Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager?
February 22, 2024 19:41 - 49 minutesAaron Portzline recaps the 2-4, six game road trip for the Blue Jackets including Wednesday night's wild 7-4 seesaw battle with the Anaheim Ducks. Porty takes your questions about how John Davidson and his staff will handle the upcoming trade deadline, who the candidates are to replace Jarmo Kekäläinen as the General Manager, if Pascal Vincent will give more ice time to the younger players, he provides an update on Adam Fantelli and the historic stadium series outdoor game, which will take pl...
Jarmo Kekäläinen fired by Blue Jackets
February 16, 2024 21:12 - 49 minutesOn this special edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline provides his thoughts on the Blue Jackets firing Jarmo Kekäläinen, who John Davidson might have in mind to replace him, the stadium series game involving the Blue Jackets next season and he takes listener questions on the next GM for Columbus and more on the NHL trade deadline which is less than three weeks away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Boone Jenner’s trade possibility, and other Jackets who might get moved
February 14, 2024 20:21 - 50 minutesOn this edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron addresses the trade rumours swirling around Captain Boone Jenner and the trade deadline in general with many attractive pieces available for the Jackets, including Sean Kuraly, Jack Roslovic, Erik Gudbranson and Elvis Merzļikins. Plus, Porty discusses GM Jarmo Kekäläinen's future with the club, if Pascal Vincent will return as head coach, Johnny Gaudreau graciously taking over Patrik Laine's charity while Laine takes time away from the game and A...
Blue Jackets record first shutout in 178 games before All-Star break
January 31, 2024 19:37 - 55 minutesAaron Portzline checks in ahead of All-Star Game, including the Blue Jackets' 1-0 victory over the Blues, a wrap up of the latest road trip, and interesting storylines ahead, as well as taking questions from listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
David Jiricek a healthy scratch, Macklin Celebrini, and Dubois' disaster in LA
January 25, 2024 18:53 - 52 minutesAaron Portzline checks in ahead of Thursday night's Blue Jackets game vs the Calgary Flames to discuss the latest with the Elvis Merzlikins situation, David Jiricek being a healthy scratch, Celebrini as a the #1 pick, PLD's poor production in LA and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The latest on Elvis Merzlikins, Boone Jenner's return imminent, and a noisy season for the Blue Jackets
January 18, 2024 19:40 - 57 minutesAaron Portzline checks in ahead of Friday's matchup between the Blue Jackets and Devils to discuss the latest with Elvis Merzlikins situation, fitting Boone Jenner into the roster, the noise surrounding the team this season, prospects and more as he takes questions from subscribers in this live room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is going on with Elvis Merzlikins?
January 11, 2024 19:29 - 23 minutesAaron Portzline, with a quick check-in, discusses the current situation with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Elvis Merzlikins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Elvis Merzlikins vs. Tom Wilson headlines OT loss to Capitals
December 22, 2023 19:03 - 52 minutesAaron Portzline checks in to recap Thursday night's OT loss to the Capitals, including Elvis Merzlikins' penalty for going off on Tom Wilson, and Pascal Vincent's post-game comments about it, and takes questions from listeners including the players' thoughts on their coach, Andrew Peeke's play, scheduling in the division and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Adam Fantilli's homecoming as Blue Jackets prepare to face the Maple Leafs
December 14, 2023 19:25 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in on Thursday ahead of the Blue Jackets' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Adam Fantilli's homecoming. Also, life without Boone Jenner and more as he takes questions from listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eric Robinson traded to Sabres, Blue Jackets injuries aplenty, blowing late leads
December 07, 2023 19:14 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in before the Blue Jackets game vs the Islanders on Thursday to discuss Eric Robinson being traded to Buffalo, injuries to Adam Boqvist, Elvis Merzlikins, and Cole Sillinger and blowing late leads before taking questions from listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cole Sillinger's injury, Kent Johnson back up with the Blue Jackets, other lineup changes and more
December 02, 2023 00:23 - 57 minutesAaron Portzline checks in on the latest on Cole Sillinger's injury, and missing Friday's game, Kent Johnson being back with the big club, and other lineup changes including Laine's struggles before taking questions from subscribers in the this live room. Please note, this live room was recorded on Fri, Dec 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who owns the Blue Jackets' failures so far?
November 22, 2023 19:22 - 1 hourAhead of a game against Chicago, where Columbus tries to avoid setting a new franchise record for consecutive losses, Aaron Portzline checks in with Blue Jackets faithful discussing the Patrik Laine benching fallout, who owns the team's failures thus far, and more as he takes listeners' questions and comments. Please note: This live room was recorded November 22, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets need to break out of early season funk
November 16, 2023 21:35 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in ahead of the Blue Jackets' game against the Coyotes Thursday night, to discuss the team's early season woes, including Johnny Gaudreau's offensive issues, a disappointing team effort against the Penguins on Tuesday, and takes listener questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets lose four in a row, top players have yet to show up on scoresheet
November 02, 2023 17:43 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in ahead of the Blue Jackets hosting the Lightning Thursday night, discussing the 4-game losing streak, the team's stars have issues with scoring, players in Cleveland shining strong and pushing for a chance with the big club, Jack Roslovic surging and more as he takes your questions. Please note: this live room was recorded November 2, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets lose in OT to Montreal, weighing in on the team's start to the season
October 27, 2023 17:36 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in following the Blue Jackets' OT loss to Montreal on Thursday night, their 2nd OT loss in a row. Also, discussing the start of the Blue Jackets' season and more. Please note: This live room was recorded October 27, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Preparing for the start of a new Blue Jackets season
October 11, 2023 20:24 - 1 hourAhead of puck drop for the Blue Jackets' new season on Thursday, Aaron Portzline discusses the possibility of the team trading away a defenseman, expectations for Adam Fantilli, lines and pairs, what he hopes to see from the Blue Jackets this season, and takes questions from listeners. Please note: This live room was recorded October 11, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discussing an interesting camp, roster decisions remaining as deadline looms
October 05, 2023 19:15 - 1 hourAaron is back to discuss Blue Jackets training camp, roster decisions that need to be made prior to Monday's deadline, the three players sidelined with shoulder injuries and more before fielding questions and comments from listeners about Kent Johnson, goaltending concerns, and more. Please note: This live room was recorded October 5, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Patrik Laine back at center, difficult roster decisions ahead, and camp observations
September 28, 2023 18:32 - 54 minutesAaron Portzline is back to discuss Patrik Laine's move back to center and becoming more of a prominent member of the Blue Jackets' dressing room, the roster decisions that need to be made at forward, and takes questions from subscribers including injury updates, observations from camp, and more. Please note: This live room was recorded on September 28, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mike Babcock's exit, Pascal Vincent becomes head coach, and roster questions as training camp is set to begin
September 20, 2023 17:47 - 1 hourAaron Portzline returns discussing all things Mike Babcock, new head coach Pascal Vincent, and answers listener's roster and training camp questions. Please note: this Live Room was recorded September 20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Checking in with the Blue Jackets ahead of the NHL Draft
June 23, 2023 17:53 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in with Blue Jackets fans ahead of next week's NHL Draft in Nashville, and after the latest news and notes, takes questions from listeners, including who they think the Blue Jackets should take with the #3 pick. Please note: This live room was recorded June 23, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A new-look defense, Dmitri Vorokov signed, and Alexandre Texier to return in newsworthy week for Blue Jackets
June 13, 2023 17:55 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in following an eventful week for the Blue Jackets including acquiring Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson, signing Dmitri Voronkov, the news of Alexandre Texier returning next season, the scouting combine and much more as he also takes questions from listeners. Please note: This live room was recorded on June 13, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets intend to hire Mike Babcock as the next head coach
June 05, 2023 20:01 - 59 minutesAaron Portzline checks in with Blue Jackets fans about the news of the team intending to hire Mike Babcock as their next head coach and more! Please Note: This live room was recorded on June 5, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets' search for a head coach continues
May 18, 2023 18:19 - 53 minutesAaron Portzline checks in with the latest on the Blue Jackets' search for a coach, including the news of the team having a conversation with Mike Babcock, before taking listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on May 18, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NHL Draft Lottery reactions and what's next for the Blue Jackets
May 09, 2023 18:13 - 1 hourPorty checks in with Blue Jackets fans following the disappointing results for the team in the Draft Lottery and discusses what lies ahead. Please note: This live room was recorded on may 9, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The draft lottery and what do fans want in a new Blue Jackets coach?
May 04, 2023 19:01 - 1 hourAaron Portzline checks in ahead of Monday's NHL Draft Lottery, and an update on the Blue Jackets' coaching search ahead of taking listeners questions, including what fans want in a new coach, how the draft lottery works, and more. Please note: This live room was recorded on May 4, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets fire coach Brad Larsen after two seasons
April 17, 2023 18:14 - 1 hourPorty checks in early in the week following the news of the Blue Jackets moving on from coach Brad Larsen, the future of others in the staff, and more, along with answering questions from listeners. Please note: This live room was recorded on April 17, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets to face Penguins and Sabres as season comes to a close
April 13, 2023 19:51 - 1 hourPorty checks in ahead of the last two games of the Blue Jackets' season, with the team currently in 32nd in the league, with rookie NHL debuts set to occur Thursday night vs the Penguins. Please note: This live room was recorded on April 13, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets' season hits the home stretch
April 07, 2023 18:18 - 45 minutesPorty checks in following an 8-1 loss to New Jersey on Thursday night with the latest news and notes for the Blue Jackets, before checking in with listeners as the team's season hits the home stretch with four games left. Please note: This live room was recording April 7, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bright spots for the Blue Jackets in a disappointing season
March 30, 2023 19:05 - 1 hourAaron Portzline shares the latest Blue Jackets news and notes ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Bruins, and where positives can be found in a disappointing season, before diving into listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on March 30, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets defeat Sharks 6-5 in OT, and the state of Bedard Watch
March 15, 2023 19:06 - 58 minutesAaron Portzline checks in following a Blue Jackets OT win over the Sharks on Tuesday night, with Johnny Gaudreau having his best game so far as a Blue Jacket, and the state of Bedard Watch at the bottom of the standings, before diving into answering listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded March 15, 2023. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets collapse in loss to Penguins, Corson Ceulemans signs ELC
March 09, 2023 19:38 - 54 minutesAaron checks in following the Blue Jackets crushing loss to the Penguins to share news on Ceulemans' ELC contract, the week ahead for the team, and answers questions from listeners. Please note, this live room was recorded on March 9, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets trade Joonas Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov to the Kings for Jonathan Quick
March 01, 2023 18:44 - 42 minutesAaron checks in following the Blue Jackets' late night trade on Wednesday that sends Korpisalo and Gavrikov to Los Angeles and brings Jonathan Quick to Columbus, and if there is more to come before the trade deadline on Friday. Please note: This live room was recorded on March 1, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets getting hot at the wrong time as Gavrikov continues his wait to be dealt to a contender
February 23, 2023 18:44 - 1 hourOn this week's edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron discusses the Blue Jackets mini heater and how it's affecting the dive for Connor Bedard. Aaron addresses the ongoing saga involving pending UFA Vladislav Gavrikov who is projected to be traded any minute now. Plus Aaron answers your questions on what other changes the Jackets could be making ahead of the March 3rd trade deadline. This podcast was originally recorded on Thursday afternoon as part of a live room. Take advantage of MANSCAP...
Gavrikov in limbo as trade deadline looms
February 17, 2023 19:33 - 50 minutesAaron Portzline is back to discuss the latest with the Blue Jackets, including Gavrikov's current status with the team and teams sitting trade pieces before the deadline, the latest positive stretch of games for the team, including goaltending as of late and more before answering listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on Feb 17, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets hit the All-Star break, Gus Nyquist will not need surgery
February 01, 2023 19:46 - 52 minutesAs the Blue Jackets hit their All-Star break, Aaron Portzline shares the latest news and notes for the Blue Jackets, including an update on Gus Nyquist and the effect on his potential trade value, a loss on Tuesday night to the Senators, the team's status in the Bedard Sweepstakes, and answers listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on February 1, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
A bit of a resurgence for the Blue Jackets
January 26, 2023 20:16 - 47 minutesChecking in from Saskatchewan, Aaron Portzline breaks down the latest news and notes for the Blue Jackets, including a win over Edmonton on Wednesday, a suddenly resurgent team, and answers listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on Jan 26, 2023. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/nhl Learn more about your...
Corey Pronman shares his perspective on the Blue Jackets
January 18, 2023 20:27 - 47 minutesAfter the latest news and notes on the Blue Jackets, Aaron Portzline is joined by The Athletic's Corey Pronman to discuss his top hockey players under 23 list, the draft, answer listener questions and more. Please note: This live room was recorded on Jan 18, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Diving into the Blue Jackets' prospect pool with Scott Wheeler
January 11, 2023 20:52 - 59 minutesAaron Portzline shares the latest news and notes for the Blue Jackets before diving into the team's prospects with Scott Wheeler, and they answer some of your questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on January 11, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What are the biggest storylines for the rest of the Blue Jackets' season?
January 05, 2023 19:17 - 1 hourAfter giving the latest news and notes for Columbus, Aaron Portzline discusses the biggest storylines that should be a thread through the rest of the team's season, and also answers listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on January 5, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your wish for the Blue Jackets in the new year?
December 29, 2022 20:58 - 1 hourAfter hitting the latest news and notes for the Blue Jackets, Aaron Portzline answers listener questions as well as asks them for their wishes for the team in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CBJ fans looking for the fast-forward button with 54 games left to play?
December 15, 2022 19:40 - 1 hourAaron Portzline discusses the Blue Jackets losing 4-0 to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, tonight’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning with Daniil Tarasov in net, the need to get Elvis Merzlikins’ game straightened out, the potential to draft top prospects Connor Bedard or Adam Fantilli in the 2023 NHL Draft, and more, as well as live listener questions. Please note: this live room was recorded on December 15, 2022 Get a 1-year subscription to The Athletic for $2 a month when yo...
What needs to change for the Blue Jackets after 9-4 home loss to Buffalo?
December 08, 2022 22:44 - 56 minutesAaron Portzline is here for you to vent about Wednesday's 9-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Please note: This Live Room was recorded on December 8, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blue Jackets injury updates, prospect tidbits, and the meaning of this season
December 01, 2022 19:32 - 55 minutesAaron Portzline shares the latest new and notes on the Blue Jackets, including Gaudreau and Chinakhov returning to the ice and looking ahead to facing the Jets before getting to your questions in this live room. Please note: This live room was recording on December 1, 2022. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Woe be the Blue Jackets
November 15, 2022 19:22 - 45 minutesAaron Portzline shares some good news and bad news in the latest news and notes about the Columbus Blue Jackets before taking your questions. Please note: This Live Room was recorded on November 15, 2022 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Live, from Tampere, Finland, it's Front & Nationwide!
November 03, 2022 18:31 - 45 minutesAaron Portzline checks in from Tampere, Finland for this Live Room ahead of the NHL Global Series between the Blue Jackets and the Colorado Avalanche. Please Note: This Live Room was recorded on November 3, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Patrik Laine returns to the lineup, Daniil Tarasov shows promise, and looking ahead to the Helsinki trip
October 25, 2022 18:40 - 1 hourAaron Portzline discusses the return of Patrik Laine ahead of the Blue Jackets game vs the Coyotes Tuesday night, goalie Daniil Tarasov shining in his opportunities, and the upcoming trip to Finland before answering your questions. Please note: This Live Room was recorded on October 25, 2022. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Subscribe to The Athletic Hockey Show on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3BKz27u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...