Front & Nationwide: A show about the Columbus Blue Jackets

Jody Shelley joins this week’s Front & Nationwide to discuss the six-year, $36 million extension signed this week by Blue Jackets’ center Charlie Coyle, one of GM Don Waddell’s top priorities. Shelley, a #CBJ and national broadcaster, talks about life between the benches and how close he thinks Columbus is to snapping its playoff drought.

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The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, prospects guru extraordinaire, joins Front & Nationwide to discuss the NHL’s entry draft lottery on Tuesday, what type of player might be on the board when the Blue Jackets selected No. 14 next month in Buffalo, plus a deep dive on some of the Columbus’ best prospects ... Jackson Smith, Cayden Lindstrom, and others. Plus we take your AskPorty questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Scott Wheeler

Producer: Jeff Domet

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After a disappointing finish, the Blue Jackets are settling into an offseason, but the first item on the agenda — an extension for coach Rick Bowness — is done. On this week’s Front & Nationwide, we welcome Jamie Thomas of the Winnipeg Jets and the Ground Control podcast. Thomas covered Rick Bowness extensively during his time with the Jets, and gives us insights into what Bowness means when he says “culture change” is coming to Columbus. We also take your AskPorty questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Jamie Thomas

Producer: Jeff Domet

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Rick Bowness tore into the Columbus Blue Jackets after a season-ending 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, saying the players don’t hate losing enough, don’t care enough, and weren’t competitive enough when the games grew tougher down the stretch. On this edition of Front & Nationwide, longtime friend Michael Arace from Disrespected Media joins to discuss Bowness’ presser and what might be on tap this summer in the wake of his comments. Plus, we take your AskPorty questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Michael Arace

Producer: Jeff Domet

Host...

Aaron welcomes FanDuel Sports Network’s Dave Maetzold to this week’s Front & Nationwide for a lively chat about the struggling Blue Jackets and a look ahead at Tuesday’s HUGE matchup in Detroit, plus we discuss his favorite interviews, the future of FDSN Ohio, and we take your AskPorty questions!

Host: Aaron Portzline

With Dave Maetzold

Producer: Jeff Domet

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On this week’s Front & Nationwide, Blue Jackets’ radio play-by-play voice Bob McElligott joins and we discuss the Blue Jackets’ epic - and latest - third-period meltdown, not just why this keeps happening but how they can move beyond it. We also talk about old friend John Tortorella’s hiring in Vegas, Rick Bowness’ pointed post-game comments on Sunday, and much more. As always, we spend the final segment taking your AskPorty questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Bob McElligott

Producer: Jeff Domet

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The Blue Jackets’ 3-2 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday was more gutsy than pretty, but it allowed them to jump Pittsburgh and claim second place in the Metro Division. Blue Jackets’ radio host Dylan Tyrer joins us to discuss Tuesday’s win, the idea that the Blue Jackets are “built for the playoffs,” and much more. Plus, we take your #AskPorty questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Dylan Tyrer

Producer: Jeff Domet

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The Blue Jackets may have played their most complete game of the season in Tuesday's rout of Carolina. Now they look to build on that performance when they host the New York Rangers and Seattle Kraken. Longtime friend of the program Alison Lukan, a member of the Kraken broadcast team, joins the program, plus we take your AskPorty questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Alison Lucan

Producer: Jeff Domet

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The Blue Jackets added Conor Garland in a trade with Vancouver at the NHL trade deadline. Just as important, they held on to their veterans UFAs, hoping to continue the playoff hunt. Aaron Portzline is joined by BlueJackets.com reporter Jeff Svoboda to discuss a busy week for the Blue Jackets and what to make of Garland’s arrival. Plus we take your #AskPorty reader questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Jeff Svoboda

Producer: Jeff Domet

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Front and Nationwide is back! Aaron Portzline returns with the podcast dedicated to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Blue Jackets analyst Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre joins the program to talk about the teams last two wins, the ongoing search for the complete game, what they need at the NHL trade deadline, plus, we take your questions.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre

Producer: Jeff Domet

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Front and Nationwide returns with a post draft and free agency update on the Columbus Blue Jackets, including why the Jackets weren't as busy as fans hoped they would be on July 1st, Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood coming into the fold via trade, how the team did at the draft, Dante Fabbro and Ivan Provorov signing extensions and what might be up GM Don Waddell's sleeve this summer.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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For the first time since they went “all in” at the 2019 trade deadline, the Blue Jackets are once again buyers at Friday’s NHL trade deadline. We discuss who might be joining Columbus, plus a look back at the wonderful experience that was the Stadium Series outdoor game in Ohio Stadium, and a discussion of Mathieu Olivier’s new contract.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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The Blue Jackets landed 6th on Scott Wheeler’s annual NHL team prospect rankings, but they were one of the more difficult teams to rank, Wheeler joins Aaron Portzline to tell him why. Columbus General Manager Don Waddell is looking to add at the NHL trade deadline, and the Blue Jackets have injury reinforcements coming.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With: Scott Wheeler

Producer: Jeff Domet

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The Athletic's Aaron Porzline answers your questions on the resurgent Elvis Merzļikins, Hart Trophy dark horse Zach Werenski, the return of Boone Jenner, the trade deadline just 12 games away, the Four Nations Face-off and the upcoming three games in 4 nights in the South West vs the Golden Knights, Utah and the Dallas Stars.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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Will the Blue Jackets trade Ivan Provorov by the March 7 NHL trade deadline or keep him around for a possible playoff berth?

What’s with the sudden resurgence in Elvis Merzlikins’ game and the Blue Jackets goaltending in general?

The Stanley Cup playoffs … no, really, might this be a thing for the Blue Jackets this season? The Athletic's Aaron Portzline answers your questions and comments in another edition of Front and Nationwide.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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The reviews are in for the Blue Jackets outdoor game jersey, Porty shares his thoughts and lists yours as well as Blue Jackets nation gears up for the NHL stadium series game vs Detroit at Ohio Stadium on March 1st. With the Jackets in playoff position, and the trade deadline less than two months away, Porty looks at what the Jackets may be looking to add, plus we get an injury update on Justin Danforth, Boone Jenner, Eric Gudbranson, Yeager Chinakhov and Sean Monahan. 

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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On this edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline answers your questions on what the Blue Jackets might have to give up to acquire Ellias Pettersson or JT Miller from Vancouver, Dmitry Voronkov's breakout season, Sean Monahan's injury update, and Owen Sillinger's callup, replacing his injured brother Cole, in tonight's lineup. Plus, our old friend Alison Lukan joins the show to talk about her time in Columbus and her current gig, helping us preview tonights' game between the Jackets and Seattle Kraken.

Host: Aaron Portzline

With Alison Lukan

Producer: Jeff Domet

Porty looks back on a big win by the Blue Jackets on Thursday night, as Elvis Merzļikins stole one for Columbus vs the New Jersey Devils and the Monsters win over Utica last night. Plus, Porty provides an injury update and answers your questions on Ivan Provorov, Daniil Tarasov, Dmitry Voronkov and what GM Don Waddell might have up his sleeve to improve the team leading up to the deadline.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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On this edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline looks back on a better effort from the Blue Jackets on Thursday night, in the 2-1 loss to the Capitals, after they got pounded Tuesday night vs the Flyers. Porty discusses Jet Greaves presence in goal for the Jackets and if he could take the starting job away from Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov, plus he gives an update on the stadium series, if Adam Fantilli's development has stalled and if Zach Werenski could be a Norris trophy candidate this season?

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer...

Porty takes your calls and questions on the surprising Blue Jackets who sit 2 points out of a wild card slot in the East, including Zach Werenski being named to Team USA at the 4-Nations Face-off in February, if the Jackets got fair value in the David Jiricek trade, if Sean Kuraly joins Ivan Provorov as a candidate to be traded, if Kent Johnson has figured it out, and why Adam Fantilli's nickname is 'hotdogs'?

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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Aaron Portzline discusses the surprising Blue Jackets who are exceeding expectations with a 500 record on Thanksgiving Eve. Aaron addresses the continued trade rumours swirling around David Jiricek and the wonderful contributions from the young core, led by Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Yegor Chinakhov, Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson. 

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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On this week's edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline answers your questions on the Blue Jackets, including the chances of David Jiricek getting traded, the return of Kent Johnson, Porty provides an update on injured prospect Cayden Lindstrom, and discusses if Dean Evason's system is difficult for a young team to execute every night?

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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The Blue Jackets are 5-3-1 to start the season, perhaps playing their most inspired hockey in the past two seasons, scoring goals at will and playing good defensive hockey. Aaron Portzline takes your questions and comments on the solid play of Elvis Merzļikins, Yegor Chinakhov, Kirill Marchenko, Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Olivier.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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On this edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline answers your questions and comments on everything Columbus Blue Jackets, including Aaron's thoughts on Ivan Provorov trade rumours, the continued development of Daniil Tarasov, Kirill Marchenko, Yegor Chinakhov and what is behind the slow start for Adam Fantelli? Plus we get an injury update on Kent Johnson, Eric Gudbranson and Dmitri Voronkov ahead to the Jackets next game vs the Nashville Predators.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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Many of the Blue Jackets’ young players are thriving, but why hasn’t defenseman David Jiricek cracked the lineup yet? And if he’s not going to play, why not send him to the AHL? This and more in this week’s edition of Front & Nationwide with Aaron Portzline.

Host: Aaron Portzline

Producer: Jeff Domet

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Aaron Portzline takes your questions and looks ahead to the season for the Blue Jackets with opening night Thursday in Minnesota vs the Wild. What is the ceiling for Adam Fantelli? What can we expect from Sean Monahan and Cole Sillinger? How will the Blue Jackets respond to longterm injuries to Boone Jenner and Dmitri Voronkov? Will Elvis rebound from a down season last year and how will new head coach Dean Evason set the tone this season?

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Aaron Portzline discusses a busy week for the Blue Jackets who traded Patrik Laine to the Canadiens for defenseman Jordan Harris, the extension for Cole Sillinger, the strength of the Blue Jackets down the middle, if the dressing room is better off without Laine in it and if Elvis Merzļikins can bounce back from a tough year last season. 

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Aaron Portzline discusses the hiring of new Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason, the future of the team’s coaching staff, why finalists for the job like Todd McLellan and Jay Woodcroft didn’t work out, player personnel moves, and more.

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Aaron Portzline answers your questions on the status of the head coach search, what happened with Todd McLellan who was thought to be the front runner, if the Mike Babcock drama ruined an opportunity for Columbus to hire Joel Quenneville and the reported final two between Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason. Porty updates the Patrik Laine saga, and the addition of Sean Monahan and Jack Johnson in free agency.

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On this pre draft edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline discusses a busy next few days for the jackets as they prepare to select number 4 in the draft, or will they trade down? Will they trade Patrik Laine before free agency? Who does Don have in his sights to sign on July 1st, and who will he hire as the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets?

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On an all new Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline returns to discuss Don Waddell's search for a new bench boss after firing Pascal Vincent earlier this week. Porty takes your questions on the Blue Jackets locker room vibe, the draft, free agency and overhauling the roster, with Patrik Laine leading the way, on the block.

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With the nightmare season for the Blue Jackets in the book, Aaron answers your questions and Columbus begins another post season on the sidelines. Porty looks into the health of Elvis Merzļikins, the future of Patrik Laine in Columbus, he updates Jordan Dumais status and what kind of player the Blue Jackets should aim for at the draft. Plus Aaron addresses some of the General Manager rumours and if John McConnell might consider selling the team, with Arizona's owner getting over a billion dollars for the Coyotes franchise. 

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Aaron 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?

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Aaron 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?

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Aaron 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.

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Scott 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. 

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Aaron 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 place on March 1st, 2025 vs the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium.

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On 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. 

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On 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 Aaron laments the brutal penalty kill for the Jackets this season.

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Aaron 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.

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