The FAN Pregame

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff start the show with Greg Wyshynski (6:19) who explains why things have changed in Atlanta, especially the demographics and the belief that they are better positioned for success as a hockey city. Next, Rempe’s suspension, Torts in trouble again and why Vegas hate keeps on going after the deadline. Then, we head to Florida where Kevin Barker (26:45) updates us on the weather, Gausman, why Vladdy looks better and if that means something. Then, why the Joey Votto signing matters, especially off-field. Finally, the Canadian city that dominated the text line for best NHL expansion option.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish hosts with Jesse Rubinoff today who is in for Justin Cuthbert. We are joined by Kevin Cheveldayoff (3:26) who discusses his moves up to the deadline, why Tyler Toffoli is a great fit and how recent trades in the last 2 seasons involved players that were connected to either him or head coach Rick Bowness. Later, setting the tone with the big extensions he signed before the season and how one move is always connected to the other. Then, Michael Grange (26:36) in Denver with the Raptors, what it’s like currently with mounting injuries, why Coach Darko has been steadying the ship and why Raptors opponents simply might not be interested in showing up night after night. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The NHL deadline has wrapped and Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff have instant reaction with Sam McKee (0:51) as the Leafs stayed quiet and Vegas went Vegas again with a cap-defying, buzzer-beating trade for Tomáš Hertl. Then, over to Luke Fox (10:25) who weighs in on the Leafs' deadline and reacts live to their last-minute deal for Connor Dewer. Next, Hailey Salvian (25:47) from The Athletic reminds people that Vegas is following the rules and it’s not a cap manipulation. Later, Luke Gazdic (51:39) explains why some feel the Oilers missed out on a depth goalie, why not to overreact to the Leafs' inactive deadline and if there needs to be a change to the playoff cap rules. We close with Frank Seravalli (1:13:22) on the Golden Knights' big swing, a big trade for Linus Ullmark that was nixed at the last moment and why Sidney Crosby is not going anywhere.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Elliotte Friedman joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert on NHL Trade Deadline Eve. He takes a look at the market overall and how the deadline is changing year to year. A look at the Leafs, when GMs have cap issues and financial restrictions. Then, by the end of the chat, we learn that Michael Bunting was held out of the lineup and if it has any connection to a potential swap for Jake Guentzel in Pittsburgh.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start the show in the newest and hottest UFC city – Miami – where Aaron Bronsteter (4:35) joins us ahead of UFC 299. He takes a look at why Miami is becoming a staple why UFC 299 and UFC 300 are stacked cards and why a typical “outside the bubble of MMA” fight was not possible to be made. Then, a look at a busy 24 hours of NHL trades, Oilers and Avs loading up and the latest contender to be pursuing Noah Hanafin. We close with Best Bets, UFC 299 picks and a change in the Stanley Cup future odds. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The countdown to the deadline heats up as Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome Frank Seravalli (4:34) with all eyes on the Pens and Kyle Dubas. Where will Jake Guentzel and Reilly Smith end up? Frank gives us a few key names to look for and one particular player that is not getting enough attention. Later on, Kaitlyn McGrath (26:59) from The Athletic on the arm issues the Jays are experiencing at Spring Training with both Gausman and Manoah battling sore shoulders.  She goes through the options the Jays have and if it’s best for an older player lie Mitch White or if they use this as the moment to bring up Ricky Tiedemann. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Breaking News today as the Devils fired Lindy Ruff. For that and more, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert visit with Jeff Marek (2:49) who gives us a countdown to the trade deadline and why changes in jobs are almost always connected to goaltending. Then, over to the Canucks and Pettersson and the pressure on Kyle Dubas as the Pens switch from buyers to sellers. Next up, Cliff Floyd (26:44) from MLB Network fresh off his spring visit to the Blue Jays and what he learned about Vladdy Jr’s off-season. Finally, he shares his thoughts on Scott Boras clients not having a great off-season, Josh Donaldson retiring today and why the Jays facilities are a legit recruiting item for free agents. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Keegan Matheson joins Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff  from Florida where the Jays are facing the Yankees (1:52). He explains how Target is his secret weapon of spring training, how José Berríos managed his early playoff exit with grace and why when Bo speaks, everyone listens. Then, word today that Vladdy Jr has not been made an offer by the Jays (yet) and why it might make more sense – for him – to test the market. Later, Seerat Sohi (30:36) on a tough to predict NBA, why Wemby is so good that he makes you laugh and what she’s learned from Scottie Barnes since the deadline. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Justin Cuthbert and guest host Jesse Rubinoff chat with former Blue Jay Jeff Frye (6:18) who is a current player agent and a former client of Scott Boras. He dishes on the “super agent”, why some players get ignored by their representatives and takes us behind the scenes of how cutthroat the business can get. Finally, looks back at hitting the cycle in Toronto, orders from Cito Gaston to hold up at first and why he got so much flack for it. Later, Mike Futa (24:48) says Chris Tanev was a perfect fit for the Leafs, why Toronto was willing to give up more and how the Flames absolutely didn’t want to trade with Brad Treliving. Finally, lessons learned during trade deadline.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show looking at the PWHL’s announcement about their changes to playoff matchups and draft order. The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli (6:06) joins them to share his thoughts on the new format, names to watch ahead of the trade deadline and which undecided teams he thinks will be buying and selling. Then, Meadowlark Media’s Tom Haberstroh (26:16) weighs in on the NBA's competition committee looking to tilt the game back in defence's favour and who he likes for MVP. Why are people sleeping on the Heat, and do the Nuggets have enough to repeat? Finally, Sportsnet's Cabbie (40:13) talks about a brand new  ‘Cabie vs.’  debuting tonight with Norm Powell.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show by breaking down Alek Manoah’s rough start to Spring Training. They welcome Ben Nicholson-Smith (4:05) to share his thoughts on the start, Manoah's comments post-game and why it's too early to panic about his long-term outlook. They then get into some of the other stories of camp including Justin Turner's veteran presence and if we can expect Vladdy to bounce back.  Finally, the best bets of the night!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start the week with Jeff Marek (6:35) for “Marek Monday!” He delves into the Oilers' sudden slide and how the 16-game streak covered up a lot of flaws. Then, a debate over the Oilers goaltending, if it’s dangerous to go with Skinner and if not him – who? Later, over to the Jets, a ticket slump, a visit from the Commissioner and why Matt Rempe is literally fighting everyone. Finally, Michael Grange (26:39) on why you shouldn’t get fooled by the Raptors push for the play-in and what’s best for them the rest of this season. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert head to Dunedin where Buck Martinez (6:08) prepares for the team’s debut Spring Training game vs. the Phillies tomorrow. Buck shares the biggest reasons for optimism, what he learned from a conversation with Bo and the fact the team knows they have something to prove. Then, which positions the Jays are weakest at. Later, Kyle Bukauskas (26:33) on NHL sidelines, Matthews vs. McKinnon for the Hart and our favourite Canadian matchups for a Saturday night.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are pleased to be joined by Carter Hutton (5:13), former NHL goalie and Leaf in 2022. He talks about what it was like facing Matthews, some insight when it comes to Samsonov and his contract and how Jo Woll's return impacts his confidence. Then, a look at the Vezina race and why Connor Hellebuyck is the front-runner.  Later, down to Scotiabank arena where Will Lou (25:23) checks in as the Raptors kick off their second half.  Over to what’s wrong with All-Star and why SGA is a legit candidate for MVP. Finally, when it comes to Vince Carter... it’s complicated. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Sarah Nurse (1:11) in the studio to discuss PWHL Toronto's mid-season resurgence. She gets into managing emotions in the league's inaugural season, Natalie Spooner's scoring streak, her experience in the Battle on Bay Street and her new initiative, Nursey Night. Later, Sportsnet host David Amber (25:38) sets the stage ahead of Leafs/Coyotes tonight, and he guarantees Auston Matthews will score his 50th goal in his home state. He weighs in on Matthews' path to a 70-goal season, the Leafs' peculiar winning record without Rielly in the lineup, the Oilers' biggest needs and runs through interesting storylines to follow ahead of the deadline.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with a look into the Blue Jays' first full-team day at Spring Training and how arbitration meetings may impact Vladdy Jr.'s upcoming season. They are joined by The Athletic's Sean Gentille (7:02) who shares his thoughts on Jagr-mania in Pittsburgh over the weekend, whether the Penguins' season is salvageable and how much blame and pressure is on the shoulders of GM Kyle Dubas. Later, with Spring Training games around the corner, Kevin Barker (30:39) joins the show to discuss the grind of camp, what type of internal improvements he expects, Manoah's opportunity to bounce back and Anthony Rendon's odd declaration that he doesn't like baseball.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with a look back on the weekend in sports - the incredible pace of Auston Matthews, a successful Battle on Bay Street in the PWHL and a dud NBA All-Star weekend. Later, Caleb Joseph (27:09) on Spring Training, focus on Vladdy Jr and Manoah and why healthy pitching can never be counted on. Next, Frank Seravalli (51:09) checks in on the Hart, a goalie we need to consider, the success of the Stadium Series and giving some respect for the career of Jaromir Jagr. Finally, Arjun Nimmala (1:17:21), Jays' 2023 Draft Pick and the subject of a new docuseries called “Indian Baseball Dreams” after becoming the 1st first-generation Indian player to be drafted. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.
 

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start in Anaheim where Aaron Bronsteter is covering UFC 298 (6:00). He runs through the card, his Mount. Rushmore of MMA fighters and where Alexander Volkanovski ranks on his list. Then a look ahead to UFC 299 and 300 and who Dana White could still add to those cards. Later, Adam Stanley (26:01) on Tiger Woods withdrawing from The Genesis in Riviera, an ambulance on scene connected to his illness and how different it is to see Tiger without a Nike logo. Finally, a look at the Canadians on the men’s side and how this is the best collection of golfers we have ever seen in this country.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Shi Davidi joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert from Dunedin where Pitchers and Catchers reported today and there is a real focus on a couple of Jays for an improved season (5:48). He starts with Alek Manoah and his new look and approach. Then, knowing what to watch for when it comes to Spring Training ball and expectations for Vlad Guerrero Jr. Finally, Natalie Spooner (26:31), the PWHL leading scorer, joins us after her hat trick vs Boston last night and what it’s going to be like playing in front to 18,000 + fans in Toronto at the Battle on Bay Street which will set the attendance record for women’s hockey. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick it off with Seerat Sohi (6:26) from The Ringer and tonight, it’s all about Pascal’s past and Scottie’s future. She examines the role of Scottie Barnes now that he has the keys to the team and the use of the newest Raptors on the team like Olynyk. Then, how the Pacers are trying to integrate Siakam into their lineup. Later, John Buccigross (28:19) from ESPN on the Rielly suspension, why McDavid is always the MVP until someone proves otherwise and why Ovechkin needs more commitment to health and weight if he wants to catch and pass Gretzky and potentially hit 900 goals.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.