The Athletic

Front & Nationwide: A show about the Columbus Blue Jackets

Sports EN ↓ 334 episodes

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic breaks down the latest news surrounding the Columbus Blue Jackets and touches on topics from around the NHL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author

The Athletic

Category

Sports

Podcast website

soundcloud.com

Latest episode

May 15, 2026

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Episodes

Marc Methot shares Blue Jackets memories, his move to the media side, and takeaways from the Senators 26.01.2022

After sharing the latest news from Columbus, Porty dives into his chat with former Blue Jackets defenseman Marc Methot. Enjoy a fun conversation as Marc shares some memories as a member of the team, his trade to Ottawa, and his pinky injury from Sidney Crosby. Plus, observations on the Senators, what it's like from a player's perspective when a season goes south, his pick for Blue Jackets standout...

Leon Draisaitl goes viral, previewing Blue Jackets-Flyers, and three potential players on the move at the trade deadline 19.01.2022

This week, Porty is joined by Bally's Sports Ohio's Brian Giesenschlag to discuss the exchange between Jim Matheson and Oilers' Leon Draisaitl, and how the locker room/ media dynamics have changed over time, especially with the introduction of Zoom. Then, a preview of Thursday night's game against the Flyers, and meeting a familiar face in Cam Atkinson. Also, the NHL has released its updated sched...

Jody Shelley previews Blue Jackets-Hurricanes, Jakub Voracek's 1000th game, Gregory Hofmann staying in Switzerland, and more 12.01.2022

Aaron is joined this week by Bally Sports Ohio's Jody Shelley to preview Thursday's game vs the Hurricanes, and discuss facing teams that seem to have your number. Also, in a down stretch for the team, how are the new leaders in the locker room handling the situation? Then, discussing Jakub Voracek's 1000th game, Gregory Hofmann deciding to not play for the club, some listener questions, and more!...

A peek into the Blue Jackets' near-future with Cleveland Monsters play by play announcer Tony Brown 05.01.2022

Aaron Portzline starts the show with few noteworthy items with the Blue Jackets, including the latest slump, who may be out for Thursday's game versus New Jersey, and Jakub Voracek on the verge of the 1000-game milestone. Then, Porty is joined by Cleveland Monsters play by play announcer Tony Brown to dig into some Columbus prospects that may be bound for the big club in the future: Liam Foudy, Ty...

The Blue Jackets scheduled to return to action, the World Junior Championship is canceled, and more with Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre 30.12.2021

Aaron Portzline is joined this week by Blue Jackets broadcaster Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre to discuss the Blue Jackets being scheduled to return to play Thursday, the cancelation of the World Juniors tournament and how day-to-day uncertainty can affect a player, the return of Boone Jenner, Oliver Bjorkstrand being out, and more! Now, through New Year's Eve, get a subscription to The Athletic for $1.99/...

A COVID-19 surge in the NHL, the Olympics, and Blue Jackets observations with Jeff Svoboda 16.12.2021

Checking in from frigid Edmonton, Aaron Portzline is joined by friend of the show and Bluejackets.com's Jeff Svoboda. together, they discuss the surge of positive COVID-19 test in in the NHL, including the Blue Jackets' game against the Calgary Flames on Saturday being postponed. Also, NHL players desired to play in the Olympics, what are the chances now that it happens? Then, after a loss to the...

Alison Lukan returns to discuss Blue Jackets' road woes, Sonny Milano's emergence in Anaheim, and a preview of CBJ vs Seattle Kraken 09.12.2021

Aaron Portzline welcomes back Alison Lukan to the pod, and the duo discusses the latest Blue Jackets news, the team's record on the road, and giving up quick goals while on the penalty kill. Then as the team prepares to play against Anaheim on Thursday, the return of familiar face Sonny Milano, and how he has found success with the Ducks. Also, a preview of Blue Jackets vs. the Seattle Kraken, and...

Assessing the Blue Jackets at the twenty-game mark with Bally Sports Ohio's Dave Maetzold 01.12.2021

Checking in from Dallas, Aaron Portzline is joined by Bally Sports Ohio's Dave Maetzold to discuss what has impressed them about the team so far this season, from "The Jake Effect", to goaltending, the difference in playing under Brad Larsen, and much more. Get an annual subscription to The Athletic for $3.99/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Discussing Blue Jackets player development, Rick Nash's number retirement and more with Derek Dorsett 17.11.2021

As the Blue Jackets' next road trip gets underway, Aaron Portzline shares some thoughts on the upcoming games, the last batch, and some updates on Max Domi and others before welcoming former CBJ forward, and current player development coach Derek Dorsett. He give insights on working in the world of player development, working under former teammate Rick Nash, Nash's upcoming number retirement, and...

Oliver Bjorkstrand discusses playing for Team Denmark in the upcoming Olympics, his hockey journey, and more 11.11.2021

Aaron Portzline shares his thoughts on the Blue Jackets and their 7-3-0 start, and the latest on Jakub Voracek, Max Domi and Adam Boqvist. Then he is joined by Oliver Bjorkstrand to talk the team's success early on, him making most of more opportunities, playing for Team Denmark in the upcoming Olympics, and much more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Host...

Jeff Rimer on a matchup against the Avalanche, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Blue Jackets' start and more 03.11.2021

Aaron Portzline is joined by play by play announcer Jeff Rimer ahead of Wednesday's game against the Avalanche to discuss updates on Max Domi and Adam Boqvist, the latest in the news surrounding the Blackhawks and the NHL, what he thinks about the Blue Jackets' start, a look ahead to what could be an interesting trade deadline for the team, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke on energy around the team, growing up playing hockey in Florida, and more 27.10.2021

Aaron Portzline gives updates on the Blue Jackets following their practice Wednesday, including news on Adam Boqvist, Max Domi, and Dean Kukan, before being joined by CBJ defenseman Andrew Peeke, to discuss energy around the team, growing up playing hockey in Florida, what is it with hockey players and chicken parm, and more. Save on an annual subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontand...

Blue Jackets radio play-by-play announcer Bob McElligott on the team's start, measuring success this season and more 20.10.2021

After some Blue Jackets updates, Aaron Portzline is joined by CBJ radio play-by-play announcer Bob McElligott to discuss the team's start, and to preview Thursday's game vs. the Islanders. Also, continuing questions at center, being proactive in a rebuild, how a fan should measure success this season, and much more! Get an annual subscription to The Athletic for $3.99/month: theathletic.com/fronta...

Sean Kuraly on coming home to the Blue Jackets, updates on Mikko Lehtonen, Yegor Chinakhov, and more 14.10.2021

Aaron Portzline catches you up on the latest news on Mikko Lehtonen, Yegor Chinakhov, defensive pairings and more, before sitting down with CBJ newcomer Sean Kuraly to discuss coming home to play for Columbus and opening night, expectations for this season and much more. Get 50% off of an annual subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

John Buccigross on the NHL's return to ESPN, John Tortorella, the Blue Jackets and more 06.10.2021

Aaron Portzline is joined by ESPN's John Buccigross to discuss the NHL's return to the network, working with John Tortorella, his thoughts on the Blue Jackets and the Metropolitan Division this season, and what goes into a good chicken parm? Save 50% off an annual subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Join The Athletic’s official fantasy hockey pool on OfficePools.com: h...

Previewing the Metropolitan Division for the 2021-22 NHL season 29.09.2021

As Alison bids farewell in her final episode as co-host of the podcast, she and Aaron discuss the Metropolitan Division and how they think the standings will shake out. Who do they have winning the division? Where do the Blue Jackets fit in? Join The Athletic’s official fantasy hockey pool on OfficePools.com:  http://www.officepools.com/invite/classic/m/HAFE2H6Q Save 50% on an annual subscription...

Elvis Merzlikins gets 5-year extension, Zac Rinaldo told to stay away from the Blue Jackets, and more 22.09.2021

Aaron and Alison discuss the news of goalie Elvis Merzlikins' contract extension, and what it also means for Joonas Korpisalo. Then, Zac Rinaldo has been told to stay away from the Blue Jackets as their lone unvaccinated player, observations from the Traverse City tournament, and more. Get 50% off of an annual subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted on Acast. See ac...

Blue Jackets fire assistant couch Sylvain Lefebvre and previewing the Traverse City prospects tournament 15.09.2021

Aaron and Alison discuss the firing of Blue Jackets assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre, Blue Jackets prospects and the Traverse City tournament, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The five biggest moments of the Blue Jackets' offseason 08.09.2021

With training camp just around the corner, Aaron and Alison look back over the summer and discuss the five biggest moments in the Blue Jackets' offseason, from trades, to extensions, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Insights into the Blue Jackets' offseason with GM Jarmo Kekalainen 05.08.2021

Aaron Portzline is joined by Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen to discuss the draft, moving on from players like Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson and bringing in Jake Bean and Adam Boqvist, the goal of keeping players long-term, answer some fan questions, and more! Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discussing Blue Jackets moves in free agency, the NHL Entry Draft and more 29.07.2021

Aaron and Alison recap the Blue Jackets' moves in opening of the NHL Free Agency period, including signing Sean Kuraly, and extending Boone Jenner and Eric Robinson, and a one-year deal for Patrik Laine. Also, the departures of Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson, a look back at how Columbus did in the NHL Entry Draft, and much more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwi...

Seattle Kraken select Blue Jackets defenseman Gavin Bayreuther in the Expansion Draft, and looking ahead to the NHL Entry Draft 21.07.2021

Aaron and Alison discuss the surprise choice of Seattle selecting Gavin Bayreuther in the team's expansion draft, and why other unprotected players not taken. Also, with the NHL Entry Draft on Friday, Aaron and Alison discuss possible options for Columbus with the #5 pick, the team's recent draft history, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted o...

Discussing the Expansion Draft, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts, Seth Jones and more 14.07.2021

With the NHL Expansion Draft coming close, Aaron and Alison discuss what decisions the Blue Jackets may need to make on players to protect, and where it can get interesting at forward. Plus, the latest on Seth Jones, their thoughts on the Wild's buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter's contracts, Duncan Keith to the Oilers, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandn...

Remembering Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks 08.07.2021

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan dedicate this episode to the memory Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assistant Coach Pascal Vincent on joining the Blue Jackets' staff, power plays, Patrik Laine and more 30.06.2021

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan are joined by new Assistant Coach Pascal Vincent to discuss coming to Columbus after ten years in Winnipeg, gelling as a coaching staff under new head coach Brad Larsen, power plays, Patrik Laine and much more! Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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