Something Doesn’t Add Up? Elliotte Friedman Reacts to Stunning Sportsnet Firing and Fans Are Demanding Answers

The NHL’s best insider reveals

 

UPDATE: Elliotte Friedman, an NHL analyst for Sportsnet, has responded to the firing of his long-time friend and coworker Kelly Hrudey, who yesterday said that Sportsnet had not extended his contract for the next season.

 

Friedman said on social media today:

 

Hrudey has been a crucial member of Sportsnet’s on-air personnel since 2014, although he first began working as an analyst for CBC right after retiring from playing in the late 1990s. He has since gained notoriety among supporters for his opinions, especially about the position of goalie. He has stated that he does not intend to retire just yet, despite being jobless for the forthcoming season. At the very least, not in this manner.

 

See below for our previous coverage of Hrudey’s departure from Sportsnet.

 

Sportsnet and its parent company, Rogers, are definitely on a PR roller coaster this offseason.

 

Sportsnet is once again being criticized for how they handled longtime broadcaster Kelly Hrudey, following recent statements about a price increase, a decrease in service, and the cancellation of several local radio stations.

 

For the first time since 1998, Hrudey revealed on social media last night that his contract with Sportsnet had not been extended and that he would not be joining Hockey Night in Canada or local Calgary Flames broadcasts this coming season.

 

From Hrudey directly:

 

Just one question…

 

If Hrudey is gone, how come Ron MacLean and Jen Botterill still have their jobs?

 

I’m not the strongest proponent of Hrudey in Canada, but I did appreciate his analysis and usually found him to be quite insightful. For the love of me, I can’t understand the charm of MacLean and/or Botterill, even though Kevin Bieksa is the clear star of the Sportsnet panel and Elliotte Friedman provides an insider’s view.

 

MacLean’s time has passed. He was such an excellent foil to Don Cherry, but he’s just a dry straight-man without a sidekick now. Botterill is just as bland and probably twice as dull.

 

It will be fascinating to witness what additional alterations Sportsnet makes to its broadcast team before the 2026-27 NHL season begins. Watch this space.