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 from a down season last year and how will new head coach Dean Evason set the tone this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Adam Fantilli and John Davidson's scouting trip to Cleveland.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the possibility of the Columbus Blue Jackets acquiring disgruntled Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel, and how his neck injury could impact his value on the trade market, the correct rebuild approach for the Blue Jackets, John Tortora taking over as Senior VP and Chief Legal Officer, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss Brad Larsen becoming the 8th full-time head coach in Columbus Blue Jackets history, front office moves including Rick Nash being promoted to Director of Player Development, an upcoming city council vote on a DORA around Nationwide Arena, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the latest in the Blue Jackets' world, including Max Domi's shoulder surgery and the affects of losing him for 5-6 months, the latest in the team's search for a head coach, if the team is headed for a rebuild, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss Wednesday night's NHL Draft Lottery, and the Blue Jackets getting the 5th overall pick, also Seth Jones informing the team that he will test free agency next summer, should CBJ trade him, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the return of John Davidson to the Blue Jackets' front office, Jarmo Kekalainen's extension, and what both mean for the franchise moving forward. Also, the search for a coach is on, highlights from the IIHF World Championships, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan focus on two storylines the Blue Jackets need to address in the offseason: which goaltender does the team keep, and if they sign Seth Jones to an extension this offseason. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the end of John Tortorella's time in Columbus and share some memories and stories about the coach. Also, the top five topics the Blue Jackets will need to tackle during the offseason, including finding a coach, Seth Jones and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There certainly has been a lot going on around the NHL lately, and Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss everything from Tom Wilson, to the Rangers' firing of John Davidson and Jeff Gorton. Also, what former players had to say about the Columbus Blue Jackets. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan recap the Blue Jackets' 1-0 win in a shootout over the Detroit Red Wings, and Elvis Merzlikins' performance. Also, Merzlikins comments about the team and playing through a losing streak, John Tortorella's thoughts on the team culture, the duo answers some of your questions, and more! Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the bleakness of the Blue Jackets as this season winds down, the benching of Max Domi by John Tortorella, and the team as it approaches an offseason of "reloading". Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 give more ice time to the younger players, he provides an update on Adam Fantelli and the historic stadium series outdoor game, which will take place on March 1st, 2025 vs the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium. 00:37:35:11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the state of the Blue Jackets post-trade deadline, and the impact of losing Nick Foligno, David Savard and Riley Nash. Also, the Blue Jackets looking at a "reload" situation for the team moving forward and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationswide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NHL Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, and Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss what could possibly be in store for the Blue Jackets. Are David Savard or Nick Foligno on the move? Does the team trade a goalie? Also, how the latest injuries for Boone Jenner and Riley Nash can further complicate things. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are less than 20 games left for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but who is this team? Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss John Tortorella's desire to change them into a defense-first mentality at this stage of the game. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss referee Tim Peel's hot mic incident during the Predators- Red Wings game before discussing the difficult situation Columbus currently finds itself in: On the bubble for a playoff spot, how should the team handle the trade deadline? Save on a subscription to the Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the latest news of Mikhail Grigorenko clearing waivers and Alexandre Texier being out before previewing the upcoming Blue Jackets-Hurricanes series, turn their focus to shootouts, and more! Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the NHL trade deadline approaching and a team unable to get traction, Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss what may be on the horizon for the Blue Jackets. Who moves? Who stays? Do both goalies stick around?  Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the impact of the return of fans in a limited capacity for Tuesday's game against the Red Wings. Also, Jarmo Kekalainen's vote of confidence for John Tortorella and a discussion about midseason coaching changes, and Alison's sweet victory. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, and share their observations from Wednesday's practice, including updates on ZachWerenski and Michael Del Zotto. Also, looking ahead to Thursday's game, the league's attempt to fit in 56 games for every team, Patrik Laine...and a wager is afoot! Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Also, we're looking for your feedback, tell us here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/athleticaudiosurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan look back at the Blue Jackets vs. Carolina, and their issues getting out of their own zone. Also, how these issues have affected the team's goalies, and how to evaluate them effectively, Max Domi's struggles, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a week for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan rewind and break down all that has transpired, including Patrik Laine's benching, Mikko Koivu's retirement, and how THAT goal was allowed. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 is less than three weeks away.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan dive into the struggles of Seth Jones and Zach Werenski, and how those struggles are affecting the play of the CBJ offense. Also, Patrik Laine makes his debut, Kevin Stenlund is activated off of IR, and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan dive into the trade that sent Dubois to Winnepeg and brought Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic to Columbus. What would be the signs that CBJ won this trade? Also, the unfortunate end to PLD's time in Columbus, Roslovic comes home and more. Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blue Jackets have come out of the gate 1-2-1 and have an offense struggling to score. Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the team's problems, if the Pierre-Luc Dubois situation is hurting this team and if Jarmo Kekalainen should solve the issue sooner rather than later, and more. Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are so close to Blue Jackets hockey being played, and Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan are joined by Fox Sports Ohio broadcaster and former Blue Jacket Jody Shelley to get you ready. They discuss the roster, Jody gives his perspective on the PLD situation, his projections for the Blue Jackets' in the Central division, and more! Save on a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the first few days of Blue Jackets camp, and observations from the team scrimmage Wednesday night. Then they dive into making some bold predictions for the season, who will score the most goals? Most assists? Comeback player?  Subscribe to The Athletic for $3.99 a month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blue Jackets training camp has begun, and Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan share their observations including line combos and defensive pairings, and Michael Del Zotto. They also dive into the Pierre-Luc Dubois situation, can PLD and the team co-exist while they work out a resolution? Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Training camp is right around the corner, and Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss what questions are lingering for this Blue Jackets team. Will Max Domi push Pierre-Luc Dubois for the #1 center spot? Also, how will PLD's contract situation play out? And as promised, Alison's John Denver story. Subscribe to The Athletic and save: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hockey is finally around the corner! Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss how the Blue Jackets may approach a shortened season, how they stack up against a new-look Central division, taxi squads, and more. Buy a subscription to The Athletic, gift a year: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan welcome Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno and his wife, Janelle, as they discuss Janelle's new children's book, "Dear Heart: A Letter to My Special Heart". They share their daughter Milana's story, lessons adults can take from the book, Nick's time being home when there is usually a season going on, and much more. Find the book here: http://heartsplaybook.com/ Buy a subscription, gift a subscription to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this edition of Front and Nationwide, Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the proposed divisions for the 20/21 NHL season, and how this Covid-19 division may benefit the Blue Jackets. Aaron and Alison discuss the shortened training camp and how team travel will work during the pandemic. Plus Portzline & Lukan take a look at how the Jackets are better positioned for the NHL expansion draft for Seattle, than they were three years ago when Vegas entered the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Pascal Vincent will return as head coach, Johnny Gaudreau graciously taking over Patrik Laine's charity while Laine takes time away from the game and Aaron laments the brutal penalty kill for the Jackets this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan welcome back Dr. Mark Cameron, Associate Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He last appeared on the show in late May to discuss the NHL's bubble plan for return to play, now he's back to discuss this very challenging phase of the pandemic, how it affect's the NHL next season, teams hoping to play outdoors, and much more. Subscribe to The Athletic and save: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan gather notes from around the Blue Jackets organization, media, and friends sharing what they are thankful for this year. Subscribe to The Athletic and save: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline is joined this week by TSN's Ray Ferraro to discuss the road to next season, his thoughts on the new Reverse Retro jerseys, what can get the Blue Jackets over the hump, and much more. Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/week: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan are joined by Fox Sports Ohio's Jeff Rimer to discuss the upcoming season and the latest meetings about it. How many games need to happen to make it a legitimate season? Also, his favorite/least favorite moves of the offseason, a great Larry King story and more. Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline checks in with Blue Jackets forward Gustav Nyquist after his surgery to repair a torn labrum. Nyquist discusses his injury, updates on how he's feeling, his first year in Columbus, his experience within the NHL bubble and much more. Also, Aaron and Alison Lukan discuss possible time without Nyquist for Columbus, Vladislav Gavrikov's new contract, and more. Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan are joined by Fox Sports Ohio's Jody Shelley to get his thoughts on the Blue Jackets' offseason moves including the loss of Josh Anderson and the addition of Max Domi and Mikko Koivu, broadcasting from outside the NHL bubble, and more. Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan take a 30,000 feet view of the Blue Jackets and discuss what is necessary for them to become true contenders, and three avenues to help achieve it: the draft, free agency and trades. Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan take their focus off of this current offseason and look ahead to Nick Foligno and his contract. He wishes to remain a member of the Blue Jackets for life, will the team make it happen, a conversation about number retirement, and more. Subscribe to The Athletic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the conservative approach the Blue Jackets have taken in this year's free agency period, the signing of Mikko Koivu, the left wing market, goalies, and more. Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan look back on the 1st day of NHL free agency around the league, and while the day was quiet, moving players like Alexander Wennberg shows there may be something on the horizon.  Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss the trade that sent Josh Anderson to the Canadiens and brings in Max Domi. What impact will Domi have on the Blue Jackets? Also, they discuss the team's 21st pick in the NHL Draft, Yegor Chinakhov. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan discuss next week's NHL Draft, the difference of it being virtual, the approach the Blue Jackets may take with their picks, contract talks, and more. Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to be active in the offseason, and Aaron Portzline and Alison Lukan explore the scenario of a buyout of Alexander Wennberg's contract in order to facilitate some moves. Subscribe to The Athletic for $1/month: theathletic.com/frontandnationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices