Kevin Sawyer is reportedly replacing Kelly Hrudey when it comes to Flames broadcasts, swapping a former NHL goalie for an NHL enforcer.
It was announced on Aug. 5 by Hrudey himself that Sportsnet told him on June 19 they would not be renewing his deal for the 2026-27 season, ending his 12-year run with the network as an analyst and colour commentator.
Not only was Hrudey part of the national broadcast as a member of the intermission panel but he was also colour commentator for the Calgary Flames regional broadcasts, being a reliable and recognizable figure for decades.
Sportsnet is replacing Hrudey's goaltending lens with a polar opposite perspective
While the network hasn't publicly announced a replacement for Hrudey, there has been a development regarding his replacement - at least when it comes to Flames broadcasts. According to Toronto Star reporter Jonah Sigel, former NHL player Kevin Sawyer has been pegged to take over for Hrudey starting in 2026-27:
Clarification on Kevin Sawyer: he will for sure be on the Calgary Flames regional games, waiting to confirm national games.
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Sawyer spent six seasons in the NHL where he was most known for being aforward who spent a lot of his time in the penalty box. In 110 games, he recorded 403 PIM including 336 in his final two seasons with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim - pretty much described as an enforcer.
Since retiring from on-ice competition, Sawyer has been colour commentator for the Winnipeg Jets broadcasts since 2018 as well as major junior and international hockey on TSN.
It will provide fans a completely different perspective as Hrudey's analysis was rooted more from a goalie perspective where he could break down the positives and negatives while explaining why certain screens and positioning are so important. Sawyer was a physical forward who saw the game in a different light, so fans are going to be able to get a breakdown of the same game from new eyes.
Sawyer's first season will show whether Flames fans prefer edge over specialization
Flames fans got to see the technical side of things with goalie positioning and awareness, and now the focus shifts to a little more physical.
Sawyer can explain the nuances of forechecking, puck battles, and why the physical game is still important despite the decline of enforcers and your typical 'tough guy' role. You can still alter the course of a game with physicality and that's where Sawyer's knowledge lies.
It's not like he doesn't understand the other facets of the game, and his years working with the Jets has allowed him to gain a wealth of knowledge.
But he won't be able to necessarily give the same insight to goaltending as Hrudey would. He can point out bigger issues, but the smaller parts may be missed by nature of simply not playing the position.
Sawyer's style is certainly one that gives an alternate perspective, and he's a great foil to a more even-headed play-by-play announcer as he can sometimes slip into homer-ism; though passionate Flames fans will love his dedication and his unique use of adjectives to describe players will freshen up the broadcast for sure.
It's going to take some time for Sawyer to settle in if he's the confirmed replacement for Hrudey but he'll add a fresh take to a Flames broadcast that is losing a recognizable presence in the booth.
Do you think Kevin Sawyer will be a good replacement for Kelly Hrudey?
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