Best Columbus Bluejackets Podcasts (2026)

1
Should the Blue Jackets have done more in free agency? 50:55

Play Pause

6M ago50:55

50:55

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 D…

1
The Blue Jackets will be buyers ahead of the trade deadline 1:01:11

10M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

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: Aaro…

1
Blue Jackets Prospects ranked 6th by The Athletic 59:04

11M ago59:04

59:04

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: …

1
Blue Jackets aim for success on South West road trip 48:24

12M ago48:24

48:24

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 …

1
As Blue Jackets hang around Eastern Conference playoff spot, eyes shift to trade deadline 50:43

12M ago50:43

50:43

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 Port…

1
NHL reveals Blue Jackets’ Stadium Series sweaters 57:47

12M ago57:47

57:47

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…

1
Are the Blue Jackets interested in Pettersson? 1:01:44

1y ago1:01:44

1:01:44

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 …

1
Elvis Merzļikins steals one vs the Devils 44:21

1y ago44:21

44:21

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 im…

1
Will the Blue Jackets give Jet Greaves some runway in net? 46:27

1y ago46:27

46:27

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 …

1
Are the upstart Blue Jackets a legitimate playoff team? 1:00:06

1y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

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…

1
The 500 Blue Jackets have a lot to be thankful for 48:50

1y ago48:50

48:50

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: Aar…

1
Will Kent Johnson have an immediate impact after returning from injury? 1:00:11

1y ago1:00:11

1:00:11

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…

1
Hope springs eternal for the Blue Jackets 57:03

1y ago57:03

57:03

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 Portz…

1
Blue Jackets focused on cutting down goals against 52:20

1y ago52:20

52:20

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 …

1
What’s the deal with David Jiricek? 58:27

1y ago58:27

58:27

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

1
Blue Jackets season preview 55:21

1+ y ago55:21

55:21

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 f…

1
Did the Blue Jackets get enough for Patrik Laine? 50:25

1+ y ago50:25

50:25

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. Hosted on …

1
Dean Evason hired as CBJ head coach 46:10

1+ y ago46:10

46:10

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By The Athletic

1
What is the latest on the Blue Jackets head coaching search? 1:01:18

1+ y ago1:01:18

1:01:18

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 a…

1
Don Waddell's to do list is lengthy for the Blue Jackets 52:42

1+ y ago52:42

52:42

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 …

1
Blue Jackets searching for 5th head coach since 2021 56:22

1+ y ago56:22

56:22

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. Hosted on Acast. See acas…

1
Blue Jackets aim for a culture reset in Columbus 56:50

1+ y ago56:50

56:50

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 a…

1
A big offseason of change on the horizon for the Columbus Blue Jackets 51:50

2y ago51:50

51:50

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…

1
The Blue Jackets must promote their young talent 56:42

2y ago56:42

56:42

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…

1
Blue Jackets at the trade deadline, and is criticism of Pascal Vincent fair? 59:14

2y ago59:14

59:14

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Blue Jackets have the 3rd best prospect pool in the NHL 1:01:18

2y ago1:01:18

1:01:18

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 A…

1
Who will be the next Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager? 47:48

2y ago47:48

47:48

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…

1
Jarmo Kekäläinen fired by Blue Jackets 48:05

2y ago48:05

48:05

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 i…

1
Boone Jenner’s trade possibility, and other Jackets who might get moved 49:11

2y ago49:11

49:11

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 Pasc…

1
Blue Jackets record first shutout in 178 games before All-Star break 52:28

2y ago52:28

52:28

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By The Athletic

1
David Jiricek a healthy scratch, Macklin Celebrini, and Dubois' disaster in LA 50:12

2y ago50:12

50:12

Aaron Portzline checks in ahead of Thursday night's Blue Jackets game vs the Calgary Flames to discuss the latest with the Elvis Merzlikins situation, David Jiricek being a healthy scratch, Celebrini as a the #1 pick, PLD's poor production in LA and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The latest on Elvis Merzlikins, Boone Jenner's return imminent, and a noisy season for the Blue Jackets 55:07

2y ago55:07

55:07

Aaron Portzline checks in ahead of Friday's matchup between the Blue Jackets and Devils to discuss the latest with Elvis Merzlikins situation, fitting Boone Jenner into the roster, the noise surrounding the team this season, prospects and more as he takes questions from subscribers in this live room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

1
What is going on with Elvis Merzlikins? 21:57

2y ago21:57

21:57

Aaron Portzline, with a quick check-in, discusses the current situation with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Elvis Merzlikins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By The Athletic

1
Elvis Merzlikins vs. Tom Wilson headlines OT loss to Capitals 49:43

2y ago49:43

49:43

Aaron Portzline checks in to recap Thursday night's OT loss to the Capitals, including Elvis Merzlikins' penalty for going off on Tom Wilson, and Pascal Vincent's post-game comments about it, and takes questions from listeners including the players' thoughts on their coach, Andrew Peeke's play, scheduling in the division and more. Hosted on Acast. …

1
Adam Fantilli's homecoming as Blue Jackets prepare to face the Maple Leafs 58:03

2y ago58:03

58:03

Aaron Portzline checks in on Thursday ahead of the Blue Jackets' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Adam Fantilli's homecoming. Also, life without Boone Jenner and more as he takes questions from listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By The Athletic

1
Eric Robinson traded to Sabres, Blue Jackets injuries aplenty, blowing late leads 57:58

2y ago57:58

57:58

Aaron Portzline checks in before the Blue Jackets game vs the Islanders on Thursday to discuss Eric Robinson being traded to Buffalo, injuries to Adam Boqvist, Elvis Merzlikins, and Cole Sillinger and blowing late leads before taking questions from listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Cole Sillinger's injury, Kent Johnson back up with the Blue Jackets, other lineup changes and more 54:21

2y ago54:21

54:21

Aaron Portzline checks in on the latest on Cole Sillinger's injury, and missing Friday's game, Kent Johnson being back with the big club, and other lineup changes including Laine's struggles before taking questions from subscribers in the this live room. Please note, this live room was recorded on Fri, Dec 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …

1
Who owns the Blue Jackets' failures so far? 1:00:18

2y ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Ahead of a game against Chicago, where Columbus tries to avoid setting a new franchise record for consecutive losses, Aaron Portzline checks in with Blue Jackets faithful discussing the Patrik Laine benching fallout, who owns the team's failures thus far, and more as he takes listeners' questions and comments. Please note: This live room was record…

1
Blue Jackets need to break out of early season funk 1:00:31

2y ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Aaron Portzline checks in ahead of the Blue Jackets' game against the Coyotes Thursday night, to discuss the team's early season woes, including Johnny Gaudreau's offensive issues, a disappointing team effort against the Penguins on Tuesday, and takes listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Blue Jackets lose four in a row, top players have yet to show up on scoresheet 59:45

2y ago59:45

59:45

Aaron Portzline checks in ahead of the Blue Jackets hosting the Lightning Thursday night, discussing the 4-game losing streak, the team's stars have issues with scoring, players in Cleveland shining strong and pushing for a chance with the big club, Jack Roslovic surging and more as he takes your questions. Please note: this live room was recorded …

1
Blue Jackets lose in OT to Montreal, weighing in on the team's start to the season 1:02:03

2y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Aaron Portzline checks in following the Blue Jackets' OT loss to Montreal on Thursday night, their 2nd OT loss in a row. Also, discussing the start of the Blue Jackets' season and more. Please note: This live room was recorded October 27, 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Preparing for the start of a new Blue Jackets season 1:00:37

2+ y ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Ahead of puck drop for the Blue Jackets' new season on Thursday, Aaron Portzline discusses the possibility of the team trading away a defenseman, expectations for Adam Fantilli, lines and pairs, what he hopes to see from the Blue Jackets this season, and takes questions from listeners. Please note: This live room was recorded October 11, 2023. Host…

1
Discussing an interesting camp, roster decisions remaining as deadline looms 1:01:21

2+ y ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Aaron is back to discuss Blue Jackets training camp, roster decisions that need to be made prior to Monday's deadline, the three players sidelined with shoulder injuries and more before fielding questions and comments from listeners about Kent Johnson, goaltending concerns, and more. Please note: This live room was recorded October 5, 2023. Hosted …

1
Patrik Laine back at center, difficult roster decisions ahead, and camp observations 50:59

2+ y ago50:59

50:59

Aaron Portzline is back to discuss Patrik Laine's move back to center and becoming more of a prominent member of the Blue Jackets' dressing room, the roster decisions that need to be made at forward, and takes questions from subscribers including injury updates, observations from camp, and more. Please note: This live room was recorded on September…

1
Mike Babcock's exit, Pascal Vincent becomes head coach, and roster questions as training camp is set to begin 1:10:25

2+ y ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Aaron Portzline returns discussing all things Mike Babcock, new head coach Pascal Vincent, and answers listener's roster and training camp questions. Please note: this Live Room was recorded September 20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By The Athletic

1
Checking in with the Blue Jackets ahead of the NHL Draft 1:04:10

2+ y ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Aaron Portzline checks in with Blue Jackets fans ahead of next week's NHL Draft in Nashville, and after the latest news and notes, takes questions from listeners, including who they think the Blue Jackets should take with the #3 pick. Please note: This live room was recorded June 23, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/fron…

1
A new-look defense, Dmitri Vorokov signed, and Alexandre Texier to return in newsworthy week for Blue Jackets 1:01:39

2+ y ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Aaron Portzline checks in following an eventful week for the Blue Jackets including acquiring Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson, signing Dmitri Voronkov, the news of Alexandre Texier returning next season, the scouting combine and much more as he also takes questions from listeners. Please note: This live room was recorded on June 13, 2023 Save on a…

1
Blue Jackets intend to hire Mike Babcock as the next head coach 55:55

2+ y ago55:55

55:55

Aaron Portzline checks in with Blue Jackets fans about the news of the team intending to hire Mike Babcock as their next head coach and more! Please Note: This live room was recorded on June 5, 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By The Athletic

1
Blue Jackets' search for a head coach continues 49:45

2+ y ago49:45

49:45

Aaron Portzline checks in with the latest on the Blue Jackets' search for a coach, including the news of the team having a conversation with Mike Babcock, before taking listener questions. Please note: This live room was recorded on May 18, 2023 Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.co…

1
NHL Draft Lottery reactions and what's next for the Blue Jackets 1:00:56

2+ y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Porty checks in with Blue Jackets fans following the disappointing results for the team in the Draft Lottery and discusses what lies ahead. Please note: This live room was recorded on may 9, 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By The Athletic