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The FAN Pregame

Sportsnetwww.sportsnet.ca
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.
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Episodes

Loyalty or Stubbornness - Masai and His Players

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert begin the show debating the performance today at the podium by Masai Ujiri and whether or not his loyalty to his players has cost the team in the long run. Should he be credited for believing in his team or faulted for sticking with them too long? Next up, Julian McKenzie (15:57) from SN960 Calgary and The Athletic looks ahead to Leafs/Flames and each team being a real focus heading into the deadline. We close with Aaron Bronsteter (25:53) for a full preview of ...

Jan 19, 202450 min

A Spicy Trade and The “Voice of the Octagon”

On the day that the Raptors traded Pascal Siakam to the Pacers, Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert start with Michael Grange (1:36) for his reaction, the return, the timing of the trade and why it happened now. Next, a fun chat with Bruce Buffer (26:01), the 'Voice of the Octagon' on his career, famous calls and an ACL injury he suffered while introducing GSP in Toronto. Finally, we get more Siakam reaction and the Raptors' long-term next steps from Tim Bontemps (39:11) of ESPN. The views and o...

Jan 18, 202450 min

Stamkos Stays But Fleury on the Move?

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Frank Seravalli, who discusses the Lightning declaring they are not trading Stamkos, why the Jets don’t get enough credit for their season and the pressure is now building on the Calgary Flames to pick a direction. Then, the legend of Marc Andre Fleury and why he might switch teams and the Canucks express frustration with stalled Pettersson negotitations. Later, a chat with PWHL All-Star Renata Fast (26:02) on the inaugural season, the mix if young an...

Jan 17, 202450 min

Montreal Mecca: Do They Do Hockey Best?

Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert start with Jeff Marek (1:52), who kicks off the week with a historic look at Avs/Canadiens, the curse of the Patrick Roy trade and why he agrees with Martin St Louis’ comments about Montreal on a Saturday. Later, rumours ahead of deadline and whether the Canucks are seeing themselves in “got for it” mode. Finally, Mike Golic Jr (25:51) weighs in on the NFL Playoffs, whether the egos of Jones and Belichick could ever work in Dallas, the Lions' historic run and ...

Jan 16, 202450 min

Raps Have Better IQ Now Than Ever

Michael Grange (1:34) checks in with Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert from Utah where the Raptors are closing out their road trip. He discusses hot rumours today suggesting that Pascal Siakam is all but done in Toronto and the long-term impact of the impressive returns on IQ and RJ. Later, Shi Davidi (26:48) on the Jays' arbitration process with Vladdy Guerrero, more moves ahead, interest in Jorge Soler and Marcus Stroman's return to the AL East. We close with picks for Super Wild Card weeken...

Jan 13, 202450 min

One Coach to Another – Herm on Belichick and More

With the news today that the Patriots have parted ways with Bill Belichick, Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert speak to former NFL and NCAA head coach – Herm Edwards – with his reaction to Belichick, Saban and Carroll no longer with their teams (2:04). He gives us a look at college and why the transfer portal has made that job even harder going forward. Then, on what it was like coaching against Bill and the Patriots and why people always try to separate the coach and the QB. Finally, a glance ...

Jan 11, 202425 min

Aaron Bronsteter Joins Sportsnet’s UFC Coverage

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Frank Seravalli (1:09) with no shortage of news in his weekly appearance - between Corey Perry being cleared to play, the Flyers' feud with Cutter Gauthier, All-Star voting and the Leafs calling up Samsonov. Later, we welcome Aaron Bronsteter (25:22) to Sportsnet and into the studio tonight to discuss his new deal with Sportsnet, the best names to watch, the UFC 297 Card in Toronto and why so many Canadian MMA fighters are living in the shadow of G...

Jan 11, 202450 min

Expert Analysis of the Flyers' Controversial Trade

On the heels of a surprise trade between the Flyers and Ducks, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome SN scout and former NHL Exec. Jason Bukula (2:46) to give his analysis of the deal. He discusses the process of drafting, signing and management of NCAA players and where the Flyers may have misstepped with Cutter Gauthier. Later, David Amber (28:01) drops by the studio for a chat ahead of Oilers/Blackhawks, a look at the All -Star voting, MVP watch, Bedard’s incredible season and more. Final...

Jan 09, 202450 min

Say Bye Bye To Hometown Discounts

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Jeff Marek, who kicks off the show discussing the Leafs extension of William Nylander, where he ranks in the Leafs pecking order and the impact this deal will have on Mitch Marner and the amount of money he will be seeking. Then, the notion of “sweetheart deals” and “hometown discounts” and why they no longer exist in hockey. Later, thoughts on the NFL Playoffs, the Superbowl logo conspiracy and which teams pose the greatest threat to the 49ers and...

Jan 09, 202450 min

USA Takes Gold at the World Juniors

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli (3:08) fresh off a gold medal for the Americans at the World Juniors - is there a shrinking gap between Canada and the USA when it comes to international hockey? Should Canadians be more worried should NHL players ever return to the Olympics? Plus, they discuss goaltending being the defining moment of the NHL season and why teams like Toronto and Edmonton are feeling the pain. Afterwards, The Ringer's Seerat Sohi (25...

Jan 06, 202449 min

How Players Like McDavid Drove Major Changes for All-Star Weekend

We start at MSG with Greg Wyshynski (2:23) covering Bedard in NYC, a look at the Stanley Cup rematch tonight, how VGK/FLA are still in the playoff hunt and whether we prefer rematches or a new pair every year. Over to the NHL All-Star weekend and why Greg likes the “goofy” events. Later on, Steve Mayer, NHL Chief Content Officer (24:48) on how the fans and players drove the changes for All-Star weekend, especially Connor McDavid. We close the show with the first 16 names selected to the NHL All-...

Jan 05, 202450 min

Behind the Scenes: Ohtani Deal & PWHL Birth

Ailish and Justin welcome Stan Kasten to the show, President and Minority Owner of the LA Dodgers (1:20) and member of the PWHL Advisory Board. He reflects on the start of the season, worldwide numbers via YouTube and the importance of allowing physical play as a major part of the game. Then some reflection on the chase of Ohtani, why it’s best for baseball that he ended up in LA and why the Dodgers financial success has a positive impact on the other teams in MLB. Later, a visit from Jennifer B...

Jan 04, 202450 min

Sid vs. Ovie - Enjoy It While It Lasts

Jeff Marek makes his weekly appearance with Ailish and Justin to look at Sid vs. Ovie tonight (3:19), the pace for him catching Gretzky, then over to lessons we learned from the World Juniors, why it’s hard to be one of the parents, especially for the goalie. Then some thoughts on the start of the PWHL and the impact of the league for the future of the women’s game. Later, Mike Futa (25:51) on his time with St Mike’s, coaching Shelden Keefe, thoughts on Ovie vs. Crosby and how managers deal with...

Jan 03, 202450 min

PWHL Opening Night with Billie Jean King

Ailish Forfar sits down with Billie Jean King, legendary tennis player and women's rights advocate, ahead of opening night for the Professional Women's Hockey League! 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.

Jan 02, 20247 min

Closing the Year with Ron MacLean and Charles Davis

Ailish Forfar and Justin cuthbert start Hour 3 with Ron MacLean, who shares stories about how he celebrates Christmas now and especially when he was a kid. A cool trip down memory lane, idols you wish to have dinner with and then how 2024 will see the start of the PWHL and the potential for the league to be successful. Later, final word of the year goes to Charles Davis (26:50) from The NFL on CBS. He shares why the Bills are so dangerous, backup QBs shining with the Browns and Bengals and thoug...

Dec 23, 202350 min

Chris Cuthbert’s Annual Christmas Appearance

In the 2nd hour of the show, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Producer Mike Gentile’s Stories of the Year Awards. From Ohtani signing, Dubas firing and some of the biggest stars that have retired while “Judge Holly” is on duty to break the tie. Then, over to Chris Cuthbert (25:36), who continues his Christmas tradition of appearing on the show. He looks back on calling the 9-3 Leafs loss in Buffalo, if Samsonov is meant to play for the Marlies, why calling a Canadian Cup winner is on...

Dec 22, 202350 min

Ailish and Justin’s Holiday Wish List

Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert are festive for hour 1 of our year-end 3-hour special. They kick off their holiday wish list for all the Toronto sports teams - the future of Nylander, where the Jays go next and why the Bills are still “Toronto’s NFL Team.” Later, we visit with Savanna Hamilton (26:05) in Philly ahead of the Raps and Sixers. We look at Scottie’s year, Darko’s coaching and why the sky is not falling. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and g...

Dec 22, 202349 min

Wish List for All Canadian NHL Teams

As the year ends, Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert are joined by The Athletic's Hailey Salvian (1:29) to go through all the Canadian NHL and see what's on their holiday wishlist. From the surprising Canucks, to the changes in Edmonton, what’s next for the Senators and the Leafs question marks on defence and in net. 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....

Dec 22, 202325 min

Raptors Roster Isn’t Fooling Anyone

In Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert's weekly visit with Frank Seravalli (1:49), we look at the quiet success of the Jets and how they did it, a bizarre retirement story about Nolan Patrick and why Martin Jones is more than capable of being the Leafs' backup than Samsonov. Later, Jake Fischer (25:31) of Yahoo! looks around the NBA with a specific focus on the Raptors roster, why it clearly is not working and if the team has shown their cards ahead of the deadline. Then, why a weak draft class wi...

Dec 21, 202350 min

Fan Bases That Are In Need of Holiday Cheer

We are joined by Julie Stewart-Binks from SNY (3:41) as the Leafs are hosting the Rangers and why NY's QBs have taken news day between Rodgers and DeVito. Plus, the strong season from the blue shirts and why the focus has shifted from Ottawa Senators' firing to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Later, a visit from Donnovan Bennett in-studio (24:47) as we debate how to order a steak, the NFL MVP, the case against Brock Purdy and why people keep hesitating to give him credit. The views and opinions express...

Dec 20, 202350 min

Everything Old Is New Again in Ottawa

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with reaction to the Ottawa Senators firing DJ Smith, bringing back Jacques Martin and most interesting just might be the promotion of Daniel Alfredsson who is now an assistant coach. With that, Jeff Marek (2:27), who also dishes on Kyle Dubas’ struggles in Pittsburgh and watching his team give up against the Maple Leafs. Later, a trip to Ottawa where Brent Wallace joins us (25:42) to explain why this change was so obvious and needed and why it doesn’t mea...

Dec 18, 202350 min

The Dubas Divorce and Where It Left Toronto

Justin Cuthbert and JD Bunkis start the show with Elliotte Friedman (4:40) as Kyle Dubas and the Penguins are back in town and he reflects on his time here, why his press conference got him fired and how Dubas has avoided all Toronto media requests. Then, a comparison between the former and current Leafs GM and if it’s fair to pit them against each other. Later, a visit from Will Lou (26:45) ahead of the Raptors and Hawks and how the 2 teams are perfect trade partners. Plus, did the Raptors wait...

Dec 16, 202350 min

Now A Dodger, Is Ohtani The Biggest Villain in Baseball?

Today we have JD Bunkis joining Justin Cuthbert on the show and right as we start the Dodgers are introducing Shohei Ohtani which leads us to discuss “Evil Empires” in sports and the hatred for other teams and their stars. Then, a look at the Leafs and why they always play down to their competition. Next up, a visit from Luke Gadzic (28:26) who looks back at Fathers' trips in the NHL, players that left him star-struck when he was in the NHL and if Roberto Luongo was underrated and appreciated. T...

Dec 15, 202350 min

The Skills Comp. Gets Better with … Money

Jeff Marek (2:28) leads with Ailish and Justin with a conspiracy behind how Connor McDavid wears his jersey, why the NHL operations department “took back” the Skills Competition from the marketing department and the redesigned competition with a $1M reward to the overall winner. Then, some thoughts on yet another team firing their Head Coach with the Blues parting ways with Craig Berube. We head to New York, where Frank Isola joins the show (25:45) for Tommy Cutlets taking the Giants and NFL by ...

Dec 14, 202350 min

Give John Tavares His Flowers Already!

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert get you set for Connor vs Connor tonight and why it’s dangerous to compare anyone to McDavid. With that and more, Frank Seravalli (3:10) weighs in on the struggling Pens and if Kyle Dubas can make a coaching change by himself or does Mike Sullivan hold more power than most coaches. Over to the Leafs, appreciating John Tavares and how his game has evolved. Later, his contract, why it won’t continue and the idea of his taking less money to keep the team together. ...

Dec 12, 202325 min

The Most Insane Part of the Ohtani Contract

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert open the show with breaking news regarding the Ohtani Dodgers contract. He is taking $2M per season and deferring the remaining $68 to the end of the contract. For analysis, we welcome Shi Davidi (4:31) who explains why this works inside of the CBA, tax implications and why his money from endorsements was already at $40M per year. Then, we look at how close the Jays were, what their plans are next and if you’d rather be in it and lose or never be in it at all. T...

Dec 11, 202325 min

Fact and Fiction During The Most Intense Day of Ohtani Watch

Today was dominated by Ohtani watch, conflicting reports of his location, rumours and flight tracking. To discuss, Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert are joined by Jeff Blair (1:36), Ben Nicholson-Smith (25:36) and Blake Murphy (35:59). Why the Jays are still in it, how physicals work and where players have them done and answering the question of whether the Jays are in trouble should Ohtani choose elsewhere. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and...

Dec 09, 202350 min

Winter Meetings Recap, Jays' Momentum Grows

As the MLB Winter Meetings come to an end, Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert check in with Ben Nicholson-Smith who was in Nashville for the meetings and he reflects on the Ohtani negotiations, the price the Yankees paid for Soto and why the focus on Ohtani took them out of the running for some other worthy free agents. Then, some insight on what it’s been like covering this story and how often he is refreshing Twitter. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and...

Dec 07, 202325 min

Former Exec Says No Ohtani, No Problem

Former MLB Exec David Samson joins Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert to discuss a different type of view on Ohtani. He makes a case that only money matters in negotiations and why on a winning team you just can’t have someone take such a huge percentage of your payroll. Next, Frank Seravalli (25:33) on the Leafs needs on defence, why the Blue Jackets are dropping the ball and Gary Bettman beginning to play games with the Olympics and his comments about the rinks in Italy. The NHL Draft hits th...

Dec 07, 202350 min

The Comments That Might Have Sunk the Dodgers’ Chances

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert open with comments from Ken Rosenthal who explained that the Jays meeting Ohtani in Florida really does take things to another level. Then, to Nashville where Shi Davidi joins us (5:28) with the latest - including – the managers meeting the media and how Dave Roberts of the Dodgers revealed too much while John Schneider played things completely opposite. Next, to Kaylyn Kyle (27:34), former member of Team Canada and now MLS Analyst on playing with Christine Sinc...

Dec 06, 202350 min
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