The FAN Pregame - podcast cover

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

Draft and Deadline - Future Is Now For the Blue Jays

With a recap and review of the MLB and a look ahead to the MLB Deadline, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert welcome a couple of former executives to the show. First, David Samson (0:47), former Expos and Marlins exec, on why the window for the Jays has closed, why even Ohtani would not have been able to fix their core issues and looks to how they build toward being competitive in 2025. Later on, Keith Law (28:09), Draft Expert for The Athletic and former Jays Assistant to the GM, looks back at th...

Jul 15, 202450 min

HR Derby Preview & Why Vlad Is Out

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert kick off the Monday edition with a preview of the HR Derby, the new format and then a look at the Blue Jays at the All-Star break. Later, Adnan Virk (14:32) from MLB Network shares who he likes tonight and a story behind Pete Alonso's Derby obsession. Meanwhile, Vladdy Jr is not participating and Adnan explains why he should. Then, his picks for who would make his “all-time” derby list. To close, Ailish and Justin review Canada Soccer stocks and discuss who is r...

Jul 15, 202450 min

The Need To Be More Than Just A Hockey Country

Ben Nicholson-Smith joins Justin Cuthbert and Donnovan Bennett from Arizona with the Jays and he outlines the injury to Bo, the team's decision to place Kiermaier on waivers and what’s ahead for them during All-Star week (2:30). Later, Iain Hume (24:46), former member of Canada Men's National Soccer team, tees up the team's third-place game at Copa América on Saturday and discusses the growth of the program. Finally, Andi Petrillo (41:39) on the contrast between Euro and Copa, what Canadian socc...

Jul 12, 202450 min

Team Canada Soccer and Basketball on the Rise

Michael Grange joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert from Las Vegas ahead of the CAN/USA Olympic tune up tonight (11:50). He looks at the roster that was announced today, their path to Paris, how much Canada will miss ommitted players like Andrew Wiggins and Zach Edey and how the dynamic backcourt of SGA and Jamal Murray will fit together. Later, former Jays GM JP Ricciardi (31:34) on the deadline, why everyone can be traded and why in the draft he avoided taking high school kids as a way to “...

Jul 10, 202450 min

Canada Soccer - On The Heels Of History

Kristian Jack from One Soccer and CPL joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert ahead of Canada's Copa America Semi-Finals matchup against Argentina tonight (1:34). Setting up what could be one of the greatest wins in Canadian history, he discusses CanMNT's composure throughout the tourney and measures the impact of Jesse Marsch against John Herdman's coaching style in the World Cup. Next up, Chis Tanev (16:17) of the Maple Leafs on his signing with Toronto, his close relationship with Brad Treliv...

Jul 09, 202450 min

Crosby Ready to Win, but Are the Pens?

Dan Shulman checks in with Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert from San Francisco where the Jays will face the Giants after an entertaining weekend in Seattle (5:50). He looks at the team's playoff chances and projects what they might do at the deadline. Then, he shares his thoughts on Canada's men's basketball team's imposing Olympic group and tees up their exhibition game against the US this week. Later, Rob Rossi (27:13) of The Athletic on the potential of a Sidney Crosby contract extension. ...

Jul 08, 202450 min

A Call For The End of The Ronaldo Era

On the heels of watching Portugal eliminated by France in penalty kicks and ahead of Canada vs Venezuela, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by Sid Seixeiro (4:57) who calls for the end of the Cristiano Ronaldo era with the National team. Later, we discuss Canada Soccer and why it’s time for Alphonso Davies to move to the wing and help out more with the offence as Canada still has just 1 goal in 3 Copa matches. Then, to Shi Davidi (31:22), the Jays new series in Seattle, the growth of ...

Jul 05, 202450 min

Lowest Point of Bo & Vlad Era & Oilers' Connor Brown

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start in the US on July 4th as Alana Rizzo (6:27) from MLB Network shares her read on the Jays and why it feels like - between Bo and Vladdy - the shortstop looks like the one most likely to be moving on. Then, she discusses other Jays that teams could be interested in and her surprise pick for NL MVP. Later, Connor Brown (26:18) of the Edmonton Oilers shares some insight into the team's playoff run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup, why his heart was with the Oilers...

Jul 04, 202450 min

Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue Joins Us Ahead of Copa Quarters

Baseball and soccer dominate the show with Ben Shulman from the Rogers Centre (4:43) ahead of Jays vs. Astros. The guys discuss George Springer back to the leadoff position and how many player could Toronto move by the deadline. Then we move to Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer CEO (24:49) to chat about Copa America, the women defending gold at the Olympics, what the Copa America result means for the team, and his desire for Christine Sinclair to have a role within Canada Soccer. The views and opinions ...

Jul 03, 202450 min

Marner and Stamkos | Rumours and Revenge

Frank Seravalli joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to wrap up the NHL season with a look back at free agency and the draft (4:43). He shares why he's still confident the Leafs are motivated to trade Mitch Marner and why Vegas makes sense as a possible landing spot. Then, to Steven Stamkos, his move to Nashville and why Tampa will regret letting him leave. To close, the Athletic's Kaitlyn McGrath (25:18) from Rogers Centre ahead of Jays/Astros discusses the most likely trade targets from the...

Jul 02, 202450 min

A Sphere, A Draft, and BTS with a Former Agent & GM

For some behind the scenes stories of the NHL Draft we start the show with Brian Lawton (5:40) who was a former 1st overall pick, then a former agent and former GM as well. During his time in Tampa he discusses what it’s like making deals and has specific thoughts on Steve Stamkos' future, what he’s worth and what he’s looking for. Lawton then shares how deals get made, a story about making a trade he was against and how it impacted his relationship with the players involved. Then we go to the s...

Jun 28, 202450 min

Atkins Pressed and Jeremy Roenick's Call to the Hall

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert begin the show discussing Blue Jays EVP & GM Ross Atkins' comments on the team's performance so far this season, Vlad Jr. and Bo Bichette's future on the team and the shortstop's sharing of how he feels to be included amongst the trade rumours via Hazel Mae. Then, soon-to-be Hockey Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick (13:50) stops by to chat about how he almost missed the phone call to the Hall and his initial emotions when he eventually heard the news. Afterwards,...

Jun 27, 202450 min

2024 NBA Draft Preview & Knicks Go All In

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert look ahead to the first round of the NBA Draft tonight and who the Raptors might have their eyes on at pick no. 19. They discuss the weak draft class as a whole, Zach Edey intrigue and where Bronny James might land. Then, they react live to the Knicks re-signing OG Anunoby after their blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges last night. Blue Jays analyst Joe Siddall (19:52) tees up the team's rubber match against the Red Sox. Finally, Michael Grange (25:17) shares ev...

Jun 26, 202450 min

Stanley Cup Stays in South Florida

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert congratulate the Florida Panthers clinching their first Stanley Cup in franchise history before welcoming former Panther and current analyst Bill Lindsay (12:00) to discuss the team's journey to their second Final and ultimately winning it all in Game 7, memorable moments from the season, and Aleksander Barkov's leadership on and off the ice. Afterward, Blue Jays radio analyst Chris Leroux (25:33) stops by to chat about the Blue Jays slump, bullpen woes and if i...

Jun 25, 202450 min

One More for the Cup

Ailish Forfar & Justin Cuthbert welcome on the man who will be calling Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, Chris Cuthbert (5:40) to get his thoughts on the first six games. He discusses the atmosphere in Sunrise, the catalyst for the Oilers' comeback and what lessons can be learned from a coaching perspective. On for his weekly appearance, Jeff Marek (26:33) presents his case for why this is the biggest game in NHL history and what it means for both team and individual legacy tonight. Does the ...

Jun 24, 202450 min

Everything You Need Ahead of Game 6

With Game 6 upon us, Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert begin in Edmonton where Luke Fox joins us after a lot of travelling in the Cup Final between Florida and Edmonton (5:03). He looks at the energy in Edmonton, how the Oilers have been built for the comeback all year, how they used special teams to get back in the series and key lineup changes like the return of Nick Cousins. Later, former Oilers Dwayne Roloson on the 2006 Cup run, how he has gone back to Edmonton for a playoff game and it’s o...

Jun 21, 202450 min

Stanley Cup BTS – Handoffs, Travel w/ Mike Futa

On the eve of Game 6 Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert bring Mike Futa (5:42) onto the show to discuss what it’s like coming back from down 3-0 as he was with the LA Kings in 2014. He looks at what makes the Oilers a true threat, why Bobrovsky is more angry than he shows and how travelling families can become a distraction. Finally, Stanley Cup handoffs, how it gets discussed and decided and weighing star players vs the longest serving members of the team. Next up, Andi Petrillo (30:05) on Euro ...

Jun 20, 202450 min

McDavid Among Greatest Performances Ever?

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Mark Spector, fresh off a plane after covering Game 5 in Florida (5:32). He gets into why the Oilers believe they can come back, McDavid's performance in context and storylines to follow ahead of Game 6. Next up, from the radio booth covering Jays and Red Sox, Madison Shipman (25:20), shares why the team called up Orelvis Martinez and has not used him yet, where the team sits on the final game of this series, the inclusion of all the Buffalo Bisons pl...

Jun 19, 202450 min

“Drag Them Back to Alberta”

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert go directly to Florida to start the show with the legend Ron MacLean (0:40) on the series, the attempt by the Oilers to “drag” the series back to Alberta and why Paul Maurice deserves so much credit. We keep up the Game 5 preview with Frank Seravalli (25:21) from DailyFaceoff.com live from Florida, who shares Cup thoughts, his Conn Smythe pick and who will get handed the Cup first if the Panthers win. Plus, the off-season is already underway with trades and plen...

Jun 18, 202450 min

“So You’re Sayin' There’s A Chance …”

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Jeff Marek who looks at the Oilers' chances of a comeback, if there is reason to believe and why most championship teams also employ a strong defensive forward and a Selke-nominated player (3:25). Later, whether McDavid could win the Conn Smythe even in a loss and whether or not that is disrespectful to the Panthers. Next, a visit to Rogers Centre where Ben Nicholson-Smith (25:43) joins us from the broadcast booth as the Jays win another series ahead ...

Jun 17, 202450 min

Will the Finals End Early?

Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff start the show in Edmonton where Luke Gazdic (5:46) breaks down the Oilers' falling to 0-3 to the Panthers - Bobrovsky's dominance, reasons to believe the Oilers will put up a fight and why the core group will want to stick around no matter what the result. Next, we head to Dallas where Arash Madani (28:08) is covering the NBA Finals. He debates how the talk around Luka is silly, why he’s still ahead of schedule at 25 and why any talk about him distracts from t...

Jun 14, 202450 min

Optimism, Leadership and Path to 2026 with CanMNT Head Coach Jesse Marsch

Jesse Marsch, head coach of Canada's men's national soccer team, joins Justin Cuthbert to chat about the early signs of optimism from the club, what he's implemented since taking the reins, the leaders within the group, how he plans to deploy Alphonso Davies and Ismaël Koné, and what he hopes to learn from the schedule ahead. 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 affiliate...

Jun 14, 202415 min

Panthers, Planes, Trains & Automobiles

In anticipation of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Justin Cuthbert and Jesse Rubinoff welcome Frank Seravalli (1:03) to play 'Frank or Fiction!' He looks at whether or not the Panthers travel issues hurt their chances, series officiating and why Paul Maurice might be the best coach in all of sports when holding a press conference. Then, Utah selects a name without actually selecting …a name. Later, James Sharman (27:57) of the Footy Prime Podcast helps us preview Euro 2024 - why he’s tempted to...

Jun 13, 202450 min

Oilers Get Potential Assist From Mother Nature

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with Jamie Hersch (8:14), who - unlike the Florida Panthers, got to Edmonton on time! The NHL Network host helps discuss flight delays in Florida, why they may have opted to stay the extra day and how the Oilers can capitalize on a likely rest advantage. Then, to Michelle Beadle (27:33) on the NBA Finals, why the Celtics are as advertised and the Tatum/Brown narrative doesn’t actually matter. Later, her thoughts on Jerry West who passed away today. We clos...

Jun 12, 202450 min

What History says About 0-2 in Cup & NBA Finals

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert start with a historical look at teams down 0-2 in the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals and whether or not the Oilers and Mavs have a realistic chance of a comeback. Then, over to Devan Dubnyk (23:49), former Oilers goalie and NHL Network analyst, who points to how Skinner can’t do much more and why the Oilers' PP has suddenly had to adjust to the style of the Panthers. Later, Dan Shulman (37:06) from Milwaukee ahead of Jays/Brewers, his confusion with Bo Bichette’s se...

Jun 11, 202450 min

Playing His Way Into the Hall of Fame This Season…

Jeff Marek joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to look back on Game 1 - why the Panthers could only get better and if Sergei Bobrovsky is on a Hall of Fame pace (5:47). Later, his experience at the NHL Combine, a look at the prospects leading into the draft and - speaking of drafts - his take on the PWHL and why the projections might not come true. Finally, Gene Principe (28:43) looks at the Oilers' perspective, McDavid has that same suit and a different tie and why players don’t like the te...

Jun 10, 202450 min

Cups, Connor & Cutting Cavan

Cabbie Richards joins Ailish Forfar and Donnovan Bennett for a chat about everything from The Stanley Cup and the NBA Finals, to his faith in the Jays and the Caitlin Clark drama in the WNBA (2:08). Later, we react to Cavan Biggio getting DFA’d by the Jays. Finally, a breakdown of the numbers behind Oilers/Panthers with Shayna Goldman (31:21) of The Athletic - who has the edge, the story of the goalies and picks for Conn Smythe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the h...

Jun 07, 202450 min

Championship Thursday with Chris Pronger & Kevin Lowe

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert are joined by former Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger (1:09), who reminisces on playing in the Stanley Cup Final and shares what he thinks is required to win a Stanley cup in today’s NHL. Cup Champion and former Oilers GM Kevin Lowe (13:05) shares his perspective on the Oilers and Panthers and who he's picking to take home the Cup. NBA insider Marc Stein (29:16) discusses the key matchups in the NBA Finals as Game 1 kicks off tonight. ...

Jun 06, 202450 min

A Possible Atkins Replacement...

Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert open the show with parallels to 2006 when the Oilers and Mavs also made the Finals in the same year. Then - when looking at the NHL and the NBA - which team is under the most pressure? Later, over to the Jays and getting blown out by the Orioles, the pressure on the team and looking for answers like players with the Bisons. Next up, Jon Morosi (25:24) from MLB Network on the Jays, the focus of Mark Shapiro that’s been on the business side and why a promotion for...

Jun 05, 202450 min

Writing the Best Oilers/Panthers Headline

Frank Seravalli joins Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert to take a look at the Stanley Cup Finals, the dominance from the state of Florida and whether or not the tax situation has played a part in helping the Lightning and the Panthers make 5 consecutive Cup Finals (5:30). Then, he discusses trade rumours surrounding Mitch Marner, how there are already 7 teams with interest and why that number will only grow. Then, to Panthers insider George Richards (31:28) for a focused look on the Panthers, wh...

Jun 04, 202450 min
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