The FAN Pregame

40 Episodes
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By: Sportsnet

Get ready for tonight's games with Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert as they discuss the stories that matter most to sports fans. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN weekdays from 6pm-7pm ET.

PWHL Year 3 Underway with Blayre Turnbull!
Last Friday at 12:01 AM

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick off by discussing the NHL teams' positioning at the U.S. Thanksgiving mark. Then, Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala joins the show (9:53) to go through the teams on the outside looking in, if Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini can lead their teams to the playoffs and if they will be in the Olympic roster for Canada, if Gavin McKenna will be the #1 pick this year, and much more. Then, Toronto Sceptres captain Blayre Turnbull joins the show (30:48). They discuss the start to the PWHL season, how she balances aiming for a deep PWHL playoff ru...


Blue Jays Sign Dylan Cease!
Last Thursday at 12:46 AM

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with NHL insider Frank Seravalli (1:45). They kick things off discussing the Oilers' latest blowout and what it means for the defending Western Conference champs. They break down the differences between this and last year’s roster, whether they will ever address the goaltending position, what to make of the Leafs' softness, and more. Then, Ailish and Jesse react to the breaking news that the Blue Jays have signed Dylan Cease to a long-term contract. Jeff Blair joins the show (27:58) to break down the news, and Jon Morosi stops by (52:18) to discuss wh...


Changes On the Way In Van City
Last Wednesday at 12:00 AM

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing the one Canadian team in a playoff spot at the American Thanksgiving mark, and discuss which teams could turn their seasons around. Then, ahead of the lone NHL matchup tonight between the Oilers and Stars, Dallas Stars Director of Player Personnel Rich Peverley joins the show (10:22). They discuss Mikko Rantanen's suspension, the team’s young talent, how the Olympics could affect a team like Dallas’ playoff race, Thomas Harley’s development, and much more. Later, Thomas Drance joins the show (26:38) to discuss the latest reporting out of Vancouver surrounding the Canuck...


Is the Raptors' Success Sustainable? + MLB FA Update with Jon Morosi
Last Tuesday at 12:01 AM

Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Joseph Casciaro (1:15) to tee up tonight’s Raptors game against the Cavs and discuss the team's hot start to the season. They discuss whether the Raps' play through their recent win streak is sustainable, if Darko Rajaković is a legitimate candidate for the Coach of the Year, the team's depth, and much more. Then, Jon Morosi joins the show (25:50) to discuss MLB free agency, the Jays' interest in Kyle Tucker, if Toronto could land a Japanese star this offseason, the Rangers and Mets blockbuster trade, and more. Ailish and Jesse wra...


What Will Canada’s Olympic Roster Look Like?
11/22/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with ESPN's Ray Ferraro (1:23)! They discuss the changes we have seen both on and off the ice with Connor Bedard, how Bedard and Macklin Celebrini have been dominating the NHL this season, the similarities between Celebrini and Sidney Crosby, the Anaheim Ducks' youth, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin look at some of Team Canada’s Four Nations Players who may not crack the Olympic roster and draft their own lineup in the latest edition of the Friday-Free-For-All. They chat about whether Auston Matthews should be the Team USA Captain at...


Is the Trade Market Heating Up In the NHL?
11/20/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Frank Seravalli. They discuss if the trade market is heating up around the NHL with the injuries plaguing contenders. They discuss which team will be the first to make a move, if the Oilers will make a move for a goaltender, if there is a coach on the hot seat, is Matthew Schaefer could really be on Canada’s Olympic team, and more. Then, they discuss the Olympic rink situation ahead of the Milan Olympics and if fans should be concerned, if McKenna’s start to his NCAA career is worr...


NHL's Youth Takeover + PWHL Season Preview with Hailey Salvian
11/20/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Devante Smith-Pelly (1:27) to tee up tonight’s contest between the Oilers and Capitals. They discuss Logan Thompson’s elite start to the season, what playing in the NHL as a teenager is like as young players like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini dominate the league, the Habs' injuries, and much more. Then, they discuss the recent HHOF inductions, who he played alongside that he thinks will make it, if Alexander Ovechkin will be inducted as soon as he retires, and more. Later, with the PWHL coming to Sportsnet, Hailey Salvian join...


How the Locker Room Responds to Brad Treliving
11/18/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Jody Shelley! They discuss Brad Treliving meeting with the media to discuss the Leafs struggles this season and how the locker room needs to respond, Toews return to the NHL and if the Jets are the best team in Canada, if the Canadiens can overcome their injuries and how close they are to being a legit contender, and much more. Ailish and Justin end things off discussing Treliving’s comments and more.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and gue...


Raptors on a Roll with Matt Bonner
11/18/2025

Former NBA player and The Raptors Show's Matt Bonner (0:41) joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to kick off the Monday edition. They discuss what's behind the Raptors' offensive surge to start the season, what's changed for them on the defensive side of the court, early impressions of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, and Immanuel Quickley starting to bounce back from his slow start. Then, Ailish and Justin recap and share some takeaways from the weekend in sports, including the Leafs' playoff chances after a fifth straight loss, whether the Chiefs are in trouble after falling to .500, and the Mariners getting the...


Friday Free-For-All with Ron MacLean
11/15/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the Friday edition with Hockey Night in Canada's Ron MacLean (1:01). They get into the Leafs' early-season woes after suffering a fourth straight loss to the LA Kings, how Zach Hyman's return can stabilize the slow starting Oilers, John Tavares' case for Team Canada, and how he's preparing for the Grey Cup this weekend. Then, Ailish and Justin take a closer look at the Leafs' issues and consider whether they can turn it around. Finally, they open up the Friday Free-For-All and go around the sports world with their burning questions, including whether...


The Leafs' Sluggish Start with Frank Seravalli
11/14/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Frank Seravalli (1:15). They discuss his perception of the Leafs' sluggish start, Auston Matthews' play before his injury, whether Toronto could be sellers this season, and they debate potential fixes. Then, they discuss the hockey world losing a legend with Larry Brooks passing away. Later, ahead of the launch of his new show, Daniel Negreanu joins the show (25:40) to preview ‘Game Of Gold’ coming to Sportsnet this month, his NHL fandom, and much more. Finally, Ailish and Justin discuss what they need to see from Auston Matthews for the Leafs to get...


Oilers' Concerns + MLB GM Meetings with Shi Davidi
11/13/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing the struggles for Canadian teams around the NHL early in the season and which teams' records match their play. Then, Sportsnet's Mark Spector joins the show (9:02) ahead of the Oilers visiting the Flyers. They break down what to expect on a big seven-game road trip, the goaltending landscape in Edmonton with Stuart Skinner struggling to make improvements, how Jack Roslovic has fit in with the Oilers, what Zach Hyman will bring when he returns, and much more. Later, Shi Davidi joins the show (33:00) live from the MLB GM meetings in...


Who Will Win MLB Manager of the Year?
11/11/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off ahead of the Raptors matchup against the struggling Brooklyn Nets tonight. They discuss how the Raptors have looked 10 games into the season with the team sitting at the .500 mark, discuss the teams NBA Cup pathways, how the Raps stars have looked and adjusted early on, and more. Then, they discuss John Schneider being up for the AL Manager of the Year Award set to be announced tonight and who could be the next big Toronto athlete to win hardware.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast a...


NBA Landscape with Tim Reynolds + Who Could Be in The HHOF Class of 2026?
11/11/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Tim Reynolds ahead of the Cavs matchup against the Heat. They discuss the Raptors' .500 start to the season, who the team’s best player is, the teams recipe for success, and much more. Then they discuss the Heat’s matchup against the leaders of the East, How Andrew Wiggins has adjusted to life in Miami, the Heat's home record, and much more. Then, they discuss the Spurs looking like they are taking the jump to the next level, Ja Morant’s potential outside of Memphis, and more. Then, Ailish and Justin...


Frank Or Fiction Returns + Checking In with Ryan Leslie
11/08/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Frank or Fiction with Frank Seravalli (0:55)! They discuss whether Ovi will be getting a retirement tour, the future of the Penguins with ownership changes, whether Nazem Kadri will be on a new team by the deadline, if the Leafs are a cup contender, and much more. Then, Maple Leafs Host Ryan Leslie joins the show (28:37)! They discuss his first impressions with stars such as Tavares, if the Olympics are a conversation in the Leafs locker room, Cowan’s first taste of the NHL, tee up the weekend's matchup against the Br...


MLB Free Agency Underway + Bruins Roll Into Toronto
11/07/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Brandon Wile (0:55) as they discuss his experience covering a World Series-contending team and how the team celebrated advancing in each round. Then, they discuss the opening of free agency, predictions surrounding Bo Bichette’s future, the Jays' free agency checklist, and much more. Later, Pete Blackburn joins the show (26:10) ahead of the Leafs' HNIC matchup against the Boston Bruins on Saturday. They discuss how the rivalry has evolved between the two teams, Boston’s five-game win streak and what has contributed to their success, the Canadian Olympic jerseys, the youth move...


Who Will Make the Team Canada Cut? + Early NBA Impressions with Katie Heindl
11/07/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the first hour of a three-hour special discussing Joseph Woll's return to the ice with the Marlies for a conditioning stint. Then, they react to Team Canada's recently released jerseys for the Olympics, project who won't be headed to Milan from Canada's 4 Nations roster, and discuss which Canadian players —like Macklin Celebrini, Mark Scheifele, Wyatt Johnston, Nick Suzuki and Connor Bedard— should make the Team Canada cut. Later, of the Basketball Feelings substack, Katie Heindl (30:50), stops by to discuss the Thunder picking up where they left off after winning an NBA title, earl...


Blue Jays Availability Takeaways + Sid vs. Ovi for 99th Time!
11/07/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins' end-of-season media availabilities and their biggest takeaways. Then, Ben Nicholson-Smith joins the show (11:28) to discuss the Jays' offseason priorities, what Bo Bichette could get on the open market and what he is looking for, what to make of Shane Bieber taking a discount to stay in Canada for another year, and much more. Later, they discuss Atkins’ comments on Jeff Hoffman not being married to the closer role. Finally, they discuss Sid and Ovi set to face off tonight once again for the 99th time in...


Easton Cowan Sent Down + Shane Bieber Returns
11/05/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Craig Simpson ahead of the Leafs hosting the Utah Mammoth for the first time. They discuss the Leafs start to the season, takeaways from the comeback win over the Penguins, Cowan being sent down to the AHL and how it will impact his development, and more. Then, following his report surrounding Shane Bieber electing to stay in Toronto, Jon Heyman joins the show. They discuss why this was an unexpected move from Bieber, if the Jays World Series run will help them attract top free agents, if Tucker and Alonso...


Who Has Stolen the Show Early In the NHL Season?
11/04/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Luke Gazdic in the studio (1:01). They tee up a flurry of exciting hockey games on the network tonight and discuss how the Oilers have started the year. They break down Connor McDavid’s lack of goals, where Edmonton is getting its scoring from, the changing landscape of contracts around the NHL, how they handled their contracts this offseason and more. Then, they look through the first chunk of the season and discuss which teams have been the biggest surprises, the players who deserve to be on Canada’s Olympic roster, what...


Reflecting on a Disappointing Weekend In Toronto
11/04/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing a disappointing weekend in Toronto. Then, Arden Zwelling joins the show to reflect on his season covering the Blue Jays, way the Jays built the team and the way they developed into a special group, what we can expect for Toronto this offseason and if Bo could stick with the Jays, what will change the most before next season’s opener, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin react to John Schneider being named as a finalist for the Manager of the Year award, if this was the best World Se...


Can The Jays Bring The Commissioner's Trophy Home?
10/31/2025

The Commissioner's Trophy is in Toronto! Ahead of Game 6 of the World Series, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined live from the field by former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar (0:35) to discuss what to expect from the Toronto Blue Jays tonight with a World Series up for grabs. They discuss what we should expect to see from Kevin Gausman on the mound, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss the Jays' lineup and how getting to the Fall Classic will impact the Jays' free agency options. Later, Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall (26:15) discusses what a World Series win wi...


Yesavage's Path to World Series History with College Coach Cliff Godwin
10/30/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off by reacting to Trey Yesavage’s historic performance in Game 5 of the World Series and how the Dodgers' players reacted to the loss. They share takeaways from the game and welcome Trey’s college coach at East Carolina University, Cliff Godwin, to the show (11:33). He discusses his time coaching Yesavage in college and what he was like when he first came to the program versus the kid who is starting in the World Series, how he has handled adversity and evolved throughout his career, what the young pitcher is like off the...


Who's Under the Most Pressure in Game 5 of the World Series?
10/29/2025

The Blue Jays have evened the series! Dan Shulman (0:57) joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert on the show ahead of tonight’s massive Game 5! They discuss what the mood is like in the Jays' clubhouse, what to expect from Toronto’s Game 5 starter, Trey Yesavage, how Dave Roberts will manage his bullpen, George Springer’s health, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss their positive takeaways from the Jays tying the series. Next, Ryan Dempster joins the show (26:57) live from Dodgers Stadium to discuss the pressure levels ahead of Game 5, why the Dodgers offence has not been as advert...


How Can the Jays Bounce Back From an Unforgettable Loss?
10/28/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Jon Morosi ahead of game 4 of the World Series following a historic 18 Inning Game 3. They discuss the Jays waiting until the last minute to release their lineup, George Springer’s health, and what Jays fans need from Shane Bieber tonight. They react to the Jays lineup announcement, how Game 3 was managed on both sides, if Ohtani will be walked, what we will see from John Schneider tonight, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss their takeaways from last night’s game and how they viewed Schneider’s decision making. Then...


Jamie Campbell, Jessica Mendoza Tee Up Game 3 of the World Series
10/27/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Jamie Campbell (1:00) live from Dodger Stadium ahead of Game 3 of the World Series. They discuss what to expect from the Dodgers at home, why the Jays elected to start Max Scherzer over Shane Bieber, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss what we have seen from Mad Max this season, how it has all led up to tonight, and discuss his World Series experience. Later, ESPN’s Jessica Mendoza joins the show (25:45) to break down how the first two games of the World Series played out, what we have se...


World Series Eve with Jack Morris and Russell Dorsey
10/23/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with their biggest takeaways from World Series media day, including John Schneider announcing that Rookie Trey Yesavage will be starting Game 1 at the Rogers Centre. Then, Former Blue Jays World Series Champion and Baseball HOFer Jack Morris joins the show (11:05) to discuss his memories of winning the World Series in 1992 with Toronto, the pressure the Jays felt to win as opposed to the other WS winning teams he played with, how he thinks the Jays stack up against the defending champion Dodgers, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin throw it...


Raptors Open 2025-26 Season in Atlanta!
10/22/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the show discussing the biggest World Series storylines. From Freddie Freeman facing Canada’s team, the starting pitching matchups, and who will be in the Blue Jays' lineup for Game 1. Then, it’s Raptors opening night in Atlanta! Michael Grange joins the show (18:18) ahead of the first game of the Raptors' season to discuss what Brandon Ingram can bring, if Scottie Barnes is ready to take the team to the next step in year 5, and much more. Later, looking ahead to the World Series, Jared Carrabis stops by (27:47) to break down why the...


World Series Berth Reflections with Chris Leroux
10/21/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert react to the Blue Jays reaching a World Series for the first time in 30+ years. They react to their own viewing experiences and discuss what it means to the city. Then, Sportsnet’s Chris Leroux joins the show following his call of the game to discuss how he celebrated the Blue Jays winning the pennant, George Springer’s electric home run, how both managers handled the pitching changes and how the Jays will handle their pitching staff in the World Series. Then, ahead of Brad Marchand’s return to his old stomping grounds in Boston...


Previewing Game 7 Of the ALCS!
10/20/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi live from the Rogers Centre (1:26). They discuss what to expect in the Blue Jays' first Game 7 since 1985 and the Mariners' first in franchise history. They break down how this game will have a lasting impact on the younger generation of Blue Jays fans, the Jays getting help from across the roster, what to expect from Shane Bieber on the mound and how the bullpen could be handled, and much more. Then, Erik Swanson joins the show (28:30) to discuss his love for the Blue Jays, what it is...


A Pivotal Weekend Of Blue Jays Baseball
10/17/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Ben Shulman (2:44) ahead of Game 5 of the ALCS after the Jays tied the series on the road. He gets into how the vibe has changed around the ballpark, Vladdy Jr. making playoff history, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin discuss who has been the unsung hero for Toronto during the ALCS and read your text submissions. Later, former MLB pitcher and baseball analyst Dallas Braden joins the show (27:00) to break down an outside perspective of the ALCS. They discuss Scherzer’s viral moment with his manager on the mound du...


Santander's First Season In Toronto Is Officially Over
10/16/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Madison Shipman to tee up Game 4 of the ALCS. They discuss the big takeaways from a pivotal game 3 win for the Blue Jays and break down what went right for Toronto, what to expect from Max Scherzer in his 500th MLB start, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin break down the opening lineup before we hear from Blue Jays manager John Schneider ahead of Game 4. Then, Ailish and Justin react to Santander’s postseason being over, and discuss what the best moments from game 3 were. Then, Eduardo Perez...


How The Jays Can Turn the Series Around
10/15/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off in-studio with Sportsnet’s Jamie Campbell (0:51) ahead of a major Game 3 for the Jays against the Mariners. They discuss the Jays' lineup issues in the series, the differences between the Jays and Mariners bullpens, what the Jays can expect from T-Mobile Park in Seattle, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin break down the pitching matchup before welcoming in Ricky Romero to discuss his takeaways from the Jays' 0-2 start to the ALCS series (24:33). They discuss the Jays' bullpen and the bullpen decisions the Jays have made, how Varland has looked, an...


Can the Blue Jays Come Back Against the Mariners in Seattle?
10/14/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing a tough weekend for Toronto sports fans as the Jays are down 0-2 in the ALCS. Then, they react to John Schneider announcing that Max Scherzer will be the game 4 starter on Thursday. Then, Alex Avila joins the show to discuss how the Blue Jays can come back in the series, Cal Raleigh’s AL MVP case, his experience catching for Max Scherzer, and take a look at game 2 between the Dodgers and Brewers.

 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hos...


ALCS Awaits Tigers-Mariners
10/10/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin kick things off with Buck Martinez (6:08) ahead of the ALCS! They discuss what he took away from a fantastic outing from Toronto at the ALDS, how Vladdy has raised his game when it matters most, Bo Bichette’s status for the ALCS, John Schneider’s performance and decision-making so far, who would be the better opponent for Toronto between the Mariners and Tigers, and much more. Then, Jon Morosi joins the show (25:42) live from Seattle ahead of game 5 between the Mariners and Tigers. They tee up a pivotal matchup and discuss what each team brings to t...


Blue Jays Punch Ticket to ALCS!
10/09/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Frank Seravalli (1:25) to break down a flurry of NHL news over the past week. They discuss the numerous players that have agreed to terms, including Connor McDavid, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, and more. They break down McDavid’s discount with Edmonton and the moves it has allowed the Oilers to make, whether Edmonton could bring in a new goaltender, Jonathan Toews set to make his return to the NHL with the Jets tonight, and much more. Later, Ailish and Justin react to last night’s Blue Jays ALDS victory over the...


Did The Jays Wake Up the Sleeping Giant in the Bronx?
10/08/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Chris Leroux (1:49) ahead of Game 4 of the ALDS. They discuss what to expect in a must-win game for the Yankees and what it is like for him to return to one of his old big-league teams. They discuss the epic collapse from the Jays in the Bronx last night, if the Jays woke up a sleeping giant, the performance of the bullpen heading into a bullpen game, the Yankees' defensive improvements, and much more. Then, Ailish and Justin go through their thoughts and reactions to last night’s game...


Is Game 3 a Must-Win Game for the Blue Jays?
10/07/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Blake Murphy (0:47) ahead of the Jays' Game 3 matchup against the Yankees in the Bronx. They discuss whether tonight is a must-win for the Blue Jays, how they will approach the game with a potential bullpen game in Game 4, what to expect from Shane Bieber, how he has performed against the Yankees in the past, and more. Then, former Blue Jay Justin Smoak joins the show (28:20) ahead of Game 3 in the Bronx. They discuss what it is like watching Vladdy after being teammates with him early in his career and his...


Jays Heading to Bronx on a High + Elliotte Friedman on McDavid's Extension
10/06/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with the big news of the day surrounding the Oilers ending the Connor McDavid contract saga (for now) after signing a 2-year deal. Then, Shi Davidi joins the show (15:07) to discuss the Jays taking a 2-0 lead in the ALDS against the New York Yankees. They discuss the Jays' impressive starting pitching and Trey Yesavage’s historic playoff debut, how the Yankees will be approaching Game 3 in the Bronx, and more. Later, Elliotte Friedman joins the show (36:01) to discuss McDavid's extension in Edmonton. They break down his decision to sign a sh...


ALDS Lookahead with Joe Siddall + 2015 Memories with Ryan Goins
10/03/2025

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Joe Siddall to tee up tomorrow’s ALDS matchup between the Blue Jays and Yankees. They discuss what to expect from the Jays pitching staff, discuss the big questions surrounding each team in a pivotal game 1, and much more. Then, Former Blue Jay and current Angels Bench Coach Ryan Goins joins the show. They discuss his memories playing for the Blue Jays in the postseason including the “bad blood” the Jays had with their rivals, the role and mindset of the supporting cast of a playoff team, the fans at the Ro...