We are in the heart of NHL Training Camps opening and former NHL goalie Carter Hutton (0:34) joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert with a lot of goalies in the headlines from Demko's health, Swayman's contract and Ullmark's new team. Later, reflecting on Ohtani and some of the greatest single-game performances of all time.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick things off discussing the Jays win over the Rangers and the latest news from the Leafs training camp. Then, Gord Stellick joins the show to discuss how Craig Berube will make his mark on the team, what to expect between the pipes, expectations for Nicholas Robertson, and more. 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.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert (1:44) to weigh in on Rogers buying the Bell share of MLSE, on the retirement of Adrian Wojnarowski and life as an insider - plus - the latest on the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman. Later, David Alter (30:36) of The Hockey News, down at Leafs training camp today where Mitch Marner was the story of the day. He shares why Marner's following in William Nylander's steps from last year and if an athlete can prevent media questions about their contract.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome in NHL Super Agent Pat Brisson (10:38) to take us behind the scenes of Sidney Crosby's extension negotiations, why Sid was always fixated on the $8.7M figure and his willingness to take a discount for the team to win. Then, on another client, John Tavares, a summer where he gave up the "C" and his ongoing talks with the Leafs to bring him back. Later, Dan Shulman (35:07) in Texas with the Jays speaks on Bo's return, Wagner being ruled out for the season and why Varsho's shoulder injury is worse than initially thought.
The Athletic's Rob Rossi, who has covered Sidney Crosby from Day 1, joins Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff to discuss Crosby's contract extension, why he was always destined to stay a Penguin and his personality away from the cameras (10:50). Later, Shi Davidi (33:22) on whether the Jays will now be less aggressive in the off-season, the pros and cons of Bo Bichette returning (possibly) to the lineup and what to expect from Bowden Francis this week with Francis' catcher - Brian Serven - being DFA'd today.
The Jays start a new series with the Cardinals tonight and Ben Nicholson-Smith (5:14) joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert from Rogers Centre with a look at the end of the season including the return of Bo Bichette while Bowden Francis hopes to keep things going after two missed no hitters. Later, top prospects with Jason Bukula (26:00), league wide and then a focus on the Canadian teams. We close with Diana Matheson (39:10), CEO of Project 8 discusses the movement of the Northern Super League, ticket sales, the rise of women's sports and how the time is right more than ever before.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome former GM of both the Orioles and Mets Jim Duquette (10:40) to the show. He looks at Bowden Francis and what we have learned from what we have seen this year, plus - Bo Bichette, what do to with him especially now that he publicly declared his intentions for the Jays. Later on, Herm Edwards (28:56) tees up tonight's Bills/Dolphins game, Week 2 in the NFL and discusses what's next for the Jets, Giants, Browns and teams that started on the wrong foot.
Kaitlyn McGrath (8:19) is at Rogers Centre ahead of Jays/Mets and takes a look at the Jays trying to play the spoiler, what she thought about the Bo Bichette comments this week, if the Jays' starters are set for success next year and more. Later, Aaron Bronsteter (25:49), UFC reporter from Las Vegas ahead of the first PPV held at The Sphere. He goes behind the scenes to explain the connection with Dana White, U2 and Tom Brady. Finally, a look at the card and his top picks.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start the week with Jon Morosi (9:33) on Bo Bichette's comments today about wanting to stay with the Jays long term and he outlines what he believes is the real motivation behind what he said. Later, MVP talk and if there is any chance that people will catch either Ohtani and Judge. Finally, Natalie Spooner (26:23) from the newly named Toronto Sceptres, how she only found out about the team yesterday and a look ahead to season two where she is the defending league MVP.
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.