According to a report from Jonah Sigel of the Toronto Star, Sportsnet is going to be bringing back Ron MacLean while Elliotte Friedman still remains unsigned.
Sigel reported on social media that there were rumblings that Rogers and Sportsnet were going to be bringing back Ron MacLean to their broadcasts as a panelist and co-host for Rogers' Saturday Night Hockey telecasts - However, both Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa remain without finalized deals, with Sigel adding that there has been talk of one or both also doing work with Amazon:
Rumblings: sounds like Ron Maclean will return to Roger's Saturday night hockey , barring the unforeseen. Same time neither Elliotte's or Kevin's contracts have been finalized as of yet. Some talk about one or both seeking to do work with Amazon too- but nothing done with either.
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Ron MacLean's return would preserve the face of Hockey Night while the panel around him changes
MacLean has been a part of the Sportsnet broadcast since they acquired the rights back in 2014, having previously been a long-time staple of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts, most notably alongside Don Cherry during his 'Coach's Corner' segment.
He brings a familiar sight to an ever-rotating group of panelists, and while there is no definitive or concrete group of analysts at least bringing MacLean back in gives some continuity at the end of the day.
However, his potential return for the 2026-27 season isn't sitting well with some fans, who may feel like it's time to move to a more modern voice to lead the panel:
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Whether or not you're a fan of MacLean, he has been a mainstay for Canadian hockey broadcasts for over 35 years, and has ingrained himself within the mythos of hockey and Canadian culture.
Elliotte Friedman's contract talks could signal a new era where top hockey voices work across platforms
This is where things get a bit more interesting. Known as one of the most well-connected insiders in the NHL, Friedman's ability to give rumours an air of possibility without overselling made him a popular name. Not only that, but he was generally right about things he would report happening - a sign that those in the league trusted him to get the word out.
The Amazon possibility is especially interesting because Prime Video begins its new 12-year Wednesday Night Hockey package this season. If Friedman or Bieksa were to work across both platforms, it would represent a different model than the traditional network-exclusive role.
The one issue with him leaving though would be questions about 32 Thoughts, which is not only an in-depth look at the NHL but also Sportsnet's top podcast, so they would be losing a lot of revenue if it were to end.
But Friedman may also be a catalyst for the changes going forward with how networks go about panelists and analysts. It could end up being less about a network owning a certain personality and more about giving those analysts a chance to use their knowledge on other platforms to help inform, guide, teach, or entertain fans.
Do you think Ron MacLean should be re-signed and brought back by Sportsnet?
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