Front & Nationwide: A show about the Columbus Blue Jackets

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Blue Jackets big signing of Charlie Coyle

Jody Shelley joins this week’s Front & Nationwide to discuss the six-year, $36 million extension signed this week by Blue Jackets’ center Charlie Coyle, one of GM Don Wad

May 15
56 min

Who can the Blue Jackets pick at No. 14?

The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, prospects guru extraordinaire, joins Front & Nationwide to discuss the NHL’s entry draft lottery on Tuesday, what type of player might be on

May 7
51 min

Classic Bones

After a disappointing finish, the Blue Jackets are settling into an offseason, but the first item on the agenda — an extension for coach Rick Bowness — is done. On this w

Apr 22
1 h 00 min

Bones on blast!

Rick Bowness tore into the Columbus Blue Jackets after a season-ending 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, saying the players don’t hate losing enough, don’t

Apr 15
59 min

What happened to the Blue Jackets?

Aaron welcomes FanDuel Sports Network’s Dave Maetzold to this week’s Front & Nationwide for a lively chat about the struggling Blue Jackets and a look ahead at Tuesday’s

Apr 7
59 min

Moving past a collapse

On this week’s Front & Nationwide, Blue Jackets’ radio play-by-play voice Bob McElligott joins and we discuss the Blue Jackets’ epic - and latest - third-period meltdown,

Mar 31
55 min

Can the Blue Jackets capture 2nd place in the Metro?

The Blue Jackets’ 3-2 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday was more gutsy than pretty, but it allowed them to jump Pittsburgh and claim second place in the Metro Division. Bl

Mar 25
49 min

Blue Jackets peaking at the right time

The Blue Jackets may have played their most complete game of the season in Tuesday's rout of Carolina. Now they look to build on that performance when they host the New Y

Mar 19
55 min

Conor Garland arrives, UFAs stay put at NHL deadline

The Blue Jackets added Conor Garland in a trade with Vancouver at the NHL trade deadline. Just as important, they held on to their veterans UFAs, hoping to continue the p

Mar 9
49 min

Blue Jackets approach the NHL trade deadline

Front and Nationwide is back! Aaron Portzline returns with the podcast dedicated to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Blue Jackets analyst Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre joins the progra

Mar 4
47 min

Should the Blue Jackets have done more in free agency?

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

Jul 3 2025
50 min

The Blue Jackets will be buyers ahead of the trade deadline

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 joi

Mar 6 2025
1 h 01 min

Blue Jackets Prospects ranked 6th by The Athletic

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

Feb 7 2025
59 min

Blue Jackets aim for success on South West road trip

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 deadli

Jan 30 2025
48 min

As Blue Jackets hang around Eastern Conference playoff spot, eyes shift to trade deadline

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 M

Jan 23 2025
50 min

NHL reveals Blue Jackets’ Stadium Series sweaters

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

Jan 16 2025
57 min

Are the Blue Jackets interested in Pettersson?

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 f

Jan 9 2025
1 h 01 min

Elvis Merzļikins steals one vs the Devils

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 l

Dec 20 2024
44 min

Will the Blue Jackets give Jet Greaves some runway in net?

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 the

Dec 13 2024
46 min

Are the upstart Blue Jackets a legitimate playoff team?

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

Dec 5 2024
1 h 00 min

Chart trend

Position in the Hockey chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#100#198JulAugSep

#25

all-time peak

days in the top 50 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where Front & Nationwide: A show about the Columbus Blue Jackets ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 30, 2026).

#165 NEW Hockey US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

The best source for CBJ content from one of the best in the business. Aaron continues to provide great insight on Columbus Blue Jackets hockey.

Der Dutchman · Jan 2024

Aaron I have always felt you have done an excellent job. Been listening since the days of the Dispatch. I appreciate the work that you have done. My only issue is that I wish you were more upfront. The Jeff Rimer episode was great because I finally heard from you your insight as to why things went the way they did with each guy. I listen and read because I respect your opinion and would like to hear more of it. I still have little to no reason to understand the disconnect with the players the last couple of years. Jarmo or Torts or a little bit of both? Why in your opinion do we have so much difficulty when it comes to negotiations with the players? I know Jarmo has the hammer, but what do the players say? What is your opinions on these matters. You are as well connected as they come and I know you hear from the guys in the locker room. Sorry this is in a public forum as I would have much rather sent this directly. As I said before I love the podcast. You are tremendous in your position and I appreciate all you do for the reader/listener. Thanks for everything. Keep up the amazing work.

Lippynicky · Mar 2022

I love all of the contributors and their relaxed and knowledgeable round table approach to discussions. I don’t love the often poor audio quality that sounds like one of them is calling in from a flip-phone inside their car on the road somewhere near the North Pole (mostly AP and especially Tom). Dedicate some time and resources to clean up the audio please. This is easily the best CBJ podcast out there. Thanks!

Grumpy Potatoes · Nov 2018

I’ve always kind of rooted for the Blue Jackets for reasons I can’t explain. When I found out Aaron Portzline was at the Athletic I subscribed. The podcast does not drag, is a good length, and all three participants are very knowledgeable. I hope they keep it going.

crankshaft333 · Oct 2018

Love the podcast but you have to cut down the live shows. Audio quality is terrible but the questions are just becoming ridiculously repetitive about tanking and should or shouldn’t the Jackets send guys to Cleveland. Have some guests on who can provide some different insight into the CBJ or other issues in the league.

Jsonny666 · Dec 2022

We need more Blue Jackets coverage but the audio quality is very poor with lots of pops and static. Sometimes unlistenable.

blairarted · Feb 2019

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.