The FAN Pregame
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The new host of 32 Thoughts - Kyle Bukauskas - joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert today after dropping his first episode with Elliotte Friedman, their first interview ahead with Sidney Crosby and why #87 is still without a contract extension (11:04). Next up, Cynthia Frelund (33:24) from NFL Network on Ravens/Chiefs then Eagles/Packers and the top games remaining in Week 1. We close with James Sharman (40:05) from the Footy Prime Podcast and Sportsnet on Team Canada, friendlies with USA and Canada and how "Dronegate" keeps ... following the team around. Plus the addition of Nico Sigur, a dual national from Croatia and what to expect from him.
Alanna Rizzo from MLB Network joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to share context around how terrific Ohtani's season has been, who she likes in the AL East between the O's and Yankees, MVP races and some entertaining races for Rookie of the Year (5:45). Plus, Bo Bichette, to return or to shut it down? Later on, NFL veteran Lorenzo Neal (27:00) on Week 1, playing for the Ravens and John Harbaugh and how the Chiefs won a Super Bowl in a "down year." He shares his Super Bowl pick and a surprising team that nobody is talking about.
Leon Draisaitl signs an extension with the Oilers today which marked the return of Frank Seravalli to the show (4:09). He looks at the deal, the impact on the next Connor McDavid contract, teams and players looking at deferred compensation and how tough it is to fill out the rest of the roster with such big contracts on the table. After some NFL betting futures we are then joined by Shi Davidi (34:50) on the emergence of Bowden Francis and Will Wagner. Finally, forecasting when Bo Bichette returns to the lineup.
Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick off the show with Aaron Portzline of The Athletic (1:17) to reflect upon the life and legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. They discuss the memories he has covering Johnny Hockey since he joined the Blue Jackets, the Gaudreau family’s impact on the hockey community, and more. Then, Luke Fox (16:27) shares his own memories covering Johnny Hockey. Then, they discuss the Leafs interest on the winger market and if Max Pacioretty could be on his way to Toronto. Then, Dan Shulman (25:35) discuss the last couple of starts for Bowden Francis and what his ceiling could be, future expectations for some of the Jays newer faces, the potential September call-ups, when we could see Bo Bichette return to the field.
Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things with Kaitlyn McGrath (5:45) of the Athletic joins the show to discuss the Jays' top prospects that could be called up sooner rather than later, Jake Bloss’s latest start with the Bisons, Bowden Francis’ season and more. Then, Ailish and Jesse discuss the athletes/sport events that they would most like to witness live. Former Canadian Paralympian and CBC Olympic and Paralympic reporter/analyst Summer Mortimer (38:50) shares an update from the 2024 Paralympics, her Paralympics experience and athletes to watch in upcoming events. Finally, they react live to the 49ers reaching an agreement with Brandon Aiyuk on a contract extension and ending the star WR’s holdout.
Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick things off with Julia Kreuz (4:23) of MLB.com, who discusses the latest rumours around Bo Bichette’s future in Toronto, what it will take to sign Vladdy and what the Jays can take away from a ‘lost season.' St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Ops. and General Manager Doug Armstrong (25:24) joins the show to discuss the Blues' big offseason, the teams' offer sheets and the chain of command with Alexander Steen set to take over as GM in 2026. Then, he discusses what goes into building team Canada’s Olympic roster and how he approaches his job as team Canada’s GM. Alish and Jesse end things off discussing Jeremy Swayman’s recent comments surrounding his contract negotiations.
Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff kick off the show with radio voice of the Blue Jays Ben Shulman (0:51) to break down the team's win-streak. He discusses the pressure the young players face and who is making the best case to be on the roster next season. Then, they discuss the future of Bo Bichette, if Vladdy will wait to sign a contract, and much more. Match Point Canada's Mike McIntyre (25:43) breaks down the Canadians at the U.S. Open, if we will get to see a Alcaraz/Djokovic matchup and more. Finally, Bruins reporter Jimmy Murphy (37:27) shares the latest news surrounding RFA goalie Jeremy Swayman.
Ailish Forfar and Jessi Rubinoff kick things off with MLB Network's Jon Morosi (4:58), who discusses the Jays' hot stretch as of late and what has led to their recent string of Ws. Then, they discuss Shohei Ohtani reaching the 40-40 milestone, Aaron Judge’s HR pace, the hottest races around the MLB, and much more. Next, Charean Williams (26:30) joins the show to break down CeeDee Lamb’s massive contract extension, what his historic contract means for star receiver holdouts Ja'Marr Chase and Brandon Aiyuk, a look at Caleb Williams and some of the other rookie QB’s around the league. Ailish and Jesse end things off reading your thoughts on things from the 90’s you want to see return!
On the heels of the King's Plate ending, Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff reveal the results and why it's connected to fantasy football. Then, over to Ben Nicholson-Smith (1:22) at Rogers Centre after a wild week of Chris Bassitt's podcast, Joey Votto's retirement and Vladdy experimenting with 3B. Next up, the NFL is finally around the corner and Trey Wingo (25:36), longtime NFL host, looks at what we've learned in the pre-season, why he's not getting fooled by preseason performances, Daniel Jones' outlook and the possibility of the Chiefs 3-peat. To close, Bob Harig (43:01) of Sports Illustrated on the FedEx Cup and the ending of a wild 2024 season.
Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff head to Buffalo to speak with Pat Malacaro (0:26), the voice of the Buffalo Bisons, following Joey Votto's sudden retirement. He looks back on the Votto/Bisons experience, what he was like to be around and the impact on the players that got to pick his brain. Then, the tandem of Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Parades join the show (26:57) after their silver medal run in Beach Volleyball in Paris. They discuss the incredible venue under the Eiffel Tower, the growth of the game in Canada and their viral quarrel with their Brazilian opponents while Imagine by John Lennon was playing.
Chris Black, Sportsnet producer, takes Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff inside the numbers when it comes to Vladdy's resurgence and why it's not what people assume (4:59). Then, why he's playing 3B and the impact now as well as the future. Later, over to the young players, the callups and who has a chance to stick with the team into next season. Next up, former Raiders CEO and now CBS Analyst - Amy Trask - joins the show for a look at the NFL season, outlooks for different rookie QBs, the history behind the Chiefs three-peat attempt, sleepers this season and more (25:37).
On the day the Oilers did not match the offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues, we check in with Mark Spector in Edmonton (6:20). He goes through why the move forced the Oilers hand, the busy first few weeks for Stan Bowman, the future of Leon and Connor and why offer sheets cause so much controversy. Later, Chris Leroux from Rogers Centre on the Jays/Reds series (24:54), playing baseball with Joey Votto growing up and why the fit with the Blue Jays never made sense especially based on his performance. Then wraps up to discuss how Vladdy could approach his next contract, either to sign sooner or test free agency.
We go to Montreal to speak with Ren Lavoie from TVA Sports (5:15) right after the Canadiens announced a trade for Patrick Laine. Ren takes us through the trade that was first discussed on July 1. Next, Chris Rose (24:53) on Chris Bassitt's honesty and why the team should have no reason to be upset with him - but - new quotes today suggest otherwise. Then. Chris explains why the Jays have mishandled the Vladdy Jr. situation. 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 Jesse Rubinoff kick off in Chicago where Buck Martinez (11:44) is with the Blue Jays and he helps us compare Vladdy Jr's season to his career-high 2021 campaign and some key reasons why this might be his most impressive. Next, Phil Wizard (25:16) joins the show after winning the gold medal in Breaking and recalls his Paris 2024 journey, the anxiety of waiting for a week and the moment when he knew he just won Gold for Canada. To close, Anna Dua (39:47) from Sportsnet and NHL Network on summer assignments like the NBO and King's Plate and then a look at the NHL offseason and the teams that are being underestimated.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Jesse Rogers (5:15), ESPN Insider on the Jays and Cubs, why Toronto is in need of a lefty bat if they want to ever contend and a wild rule change that could force managers to leave pitchers in a game for at least 6 innings. Next, Jeff Bratt (25:43) from Woodbine Entertainment sets up The King's Plate, top betting choices and the Triple Crown season in Canada. Finally, The RBC Canadian Open has a new Tournament Director - Ryan Paul - who joins us to close the show (38:40). The course, securing the field and the news this week that the tournament has a new date on the calendar.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving (5:56) to explain why it was the right time to give Auston Matthews the captaincy, where the conversation started with John and what it took to get everyone to buy in. He looks at the next set of negotiations with Tavares and if the Captain of Toronto has it harder than any other city in the NHL. Later, Kaitlyn McGrath (30:32) on George Springer's meltdown, Wagner's hot start and Vladdy Jr returning to his 2021 form.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox to break down the Leafs' upcoming announcement where they will name Auston Matthews their next captain. He discusses the timing of the decision to strip Tavares of the ‘C’, whether this move signifies an end of the ‘core four’ mentality and Matthews’ leadership style. Aaron Bronsteter (27:00) joins the show to tee up season 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series debuting tonight on Sportsnet. Then, he sets the stage for UFC 305 this weekend, Israel Adesanya’s importance to the UFC, and much more. Finally, Ailish and Justin discuss the St. Louis Blues offer sheets to Oilers' RFAs Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the week with Caleb Joseph (6:20) who is on the road with the Jays in Anaheim tonight. He looks at how Vladdy turned it around and kept it going, Chris Bassitt blaming his poor performance on the roof being closed at Rogers Centre, and shares a deeper look at Will Wagner as he gets set for his Jays debut. Next, the NBO Men's Finals goes tonight in Montreal and Kyle Bukauskas (26:28) gives us a preview, how the Paris Olympics impacted the current tennis season and why Toronto and Montreal have become tennis hot spots in Canada.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert wrap up Paris 2024 after a wild day including Canada's surprise Gold in the 4x100 relay. First up, Mark Heese from CBC (6:29) and member of the volleyball Hall of Fame reflects on Melissa Hamana-Paredes & Brandie Wilkerson's beach volleyball silver medal for Canada and shares how he helped kickstart the sport going from exhibition to legitimate Olympic sport. Next, Glenroy Gilbert (25:52), 1996 Gold Medal winner in the 4x100 relay and current Head Coach for Athletics Canada reflects on his team's incredible win and Andre De Grasse's legacy after picking up a 7th career Olympic medal. To close, Julie Stewart-Binks (34:42) from CBC Sports on today's action, her experience as a runner and then wrapping Paris 2024 and Canada's top moments.
Donnovan Bailey joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to discuss Track, Noah Lyles somehow racing with Covid, why the 100M is the most watched sporting event in the world and the evolution of sprinting (11:42). Then, his thoughts on the Closing Ceremonies debate for flag bearer. Later, Madison Shipman (29:41) ahead of the Jays/O's on Olympic softball making a return and how much she would have loved to compete in her career. Finally, over to the Jays, the rise of Daulton Varsho and Kevin Gausman hoping for a comeback.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with the most fitting guest for some historical context on the Olympics - the great Ron MacLean (6:22). He reflects on all the games he has called, comparisons to Paris 2024, how special the Summer McIntosh performance was to see and shares a tour of Olympics past. Later, Ben Nicholson-Smith (26:19) live from Rogers Centre ahead of Jays/Orioles. A full recap and review of the Mark Shaprio press conference today, his words, his mood and what he said, plus, what was between the lines.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start by discussing a tough loss by Canada's men's team today and where it fits among the most disappointing losses of recent memory. Jon Morosi (12:42) from MLB Network shares his thoughts on the new-look Jays, the possible return of Joey Votto, whether or not the White Sox losing streak will continue and his thoughts on Bill Bean from MLB who passed away today. To close, Arash Madani (33:21) in Paris after the debacle of the Men's basketball team and why we should not overlook how terrible the performance was, how the players had no excuse and why SGA was left alone on the floor.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off recapping a busy weekend of Olympic events. Then, former Canadian Olympian Kate Van Buskirk (5:33) breaks down how Canada has looked so far in the Athletic events at the Paris Olympics, the mindset athletes must have to succeed in track and field, Ethan Katzberg’s historic gold medal in hammer throw and other Canadians to watch in upcoming throwing events. Ben Lewis (29:47) of Tennis Canada tees up the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. They discuss the Olympics and its impact on the NBO, which players to keep an eye out for and more.
Sportsnet’s Adam Stanley joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to go over the men's and women's golf at the Olympics (5:54). He discusses what to expect from Corey Conners and the Canadians in Paris, the legacy of golf at the games since being reintroduced back in 2016, the weight on Tom Kim’s shoulders, and much more. Later, Sportsnet’s Chris Black (26:15) joins the show to discuss what the Jays should be looking for from their new additions and what the analytics show about the Jays new prospects. He digs into how to evaluate pitching prospects, the evolution of “Babe” Schneider hype and how the Jays should approach a Vladdy extension.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Olympian Brittany MacLean (5:46) live from Paris. They discuss her experience covering the Olympics, Summer McIntosh winning another gold medal, the events she most looks forward to watching and much more. The voice of Blue Jays radio Ben Shulman (29:08) shares what we can expect going forward this season from the young prospects who joined Toronto at the deadline. Then, they discuss the Jays locking up first-round pick Trey Yesavage to a contract and tee up the Jays' series against the Yankees set to begin tomorrow. Finally, Ailish and Justin chat about which sports should be added to the Olympics and get your thoughts from the text line!
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off with Michael Grange (5:53) to break down the latest surrounding Canada’s men’s and women’s basketball teams at the Olympics. They tee up tomorrow mornings early match between Canada and Australia on the women's side, how SGA and R.J. Barrett have fared so far, Jordi Fernández’s coaching decisions and much more. Arash Madani (30:16) joins the show from Nice following the Canadian Women’s Soccer teams’ triumphant victory over Columbia to advance to the quarter finals despite their point deduction. Finally, GM of Utah HC Bill Armstrong (41:50) discusses his squad's new analytics challenge for a chance to intern with the club, moving to Utah and his first impressions of the city and the new ownership.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the MLB Trade Deadline with Ben Nicholson-Smith (2:48) to break down the Jays' moves. He evaluates the large return in the trade that sent Yusei Kikuchi to Houston and discusses what's next for the Blue Jays. Then, former CANWNT forward Kara Lang (27:08) gives her thoughts on the spying scandal for the Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team, the impact it has had on the players and how much the team's dramatic win over France means going forward. Later, Ben Verlander (51:20) shares how Astros fans have reacted to the price to acquire Kikuchi before weighing in on some of the big moves throughout the deadline. Finally, Matt Cullen (1:19:18), fresh off calling Canada’s Silver Medal win in Women’s Rugby Sevens for CBC, shares his thoughts on how Canada has fared so far throughout the Olympics, the “summer of Summer”, and much more.
It was a big day for the Olympics, the opening ceremonies and the appearance of Celine Dion. Plus, the Blue Jays trade Yimi Garcia to the Seattle Mariners ahead of the deadline. Later, Donnovan Bennett (23:37) in studio on Canada Soccer, swimming and other medal hopefuls. We close with Amy Walsh (41:46) from CBC and former player for Team Canada, member of the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame who gives a player perspective on the controversy, how prevalent it is in soccer and how the players will try to get focused and back on track.
Arash Madani joins Justin Cuthbert and Ben Ennis to discuss the latest heat on Canada Women's Soccer and head coach Bev Priestman amidst the drone scandal (4:09). Later, Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff on the Edmonton Oilers controversial hiring of Stan Bowman as their new general manager (24:45).
Justin Cuthbert and Ben Ennis take a couple of different looks at the Olympics, starting with Elliott Friedman (5:39), who is calling Canoe, Kayak and Rowing for Paris 2024. He discusses why he welcomed the challenge to call the Olympics, a break from hockey, where Canada ranks on the water and their best chances for Gold. Later, Canadian broadcast legend Peter Mansbridge (25:45) on the evolution of Canadian sports on the global stage, from the disgrace of Ben Johnson to the redemption of Donnovan Bailey and now as a country closing in on top 10 in medals in the world. .
