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Ryan Leslie leaves Calgary Flames broadcasts on Sportsnet for Toronto Maple Leafs job

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Aug 26 2025, 3:28 pm
Ryan Leslie leaves Calgary Flames broadcasts on Sportsnet for Toronto Maple Leafs job
@ryanlesliemedia/X

Ryan Leslie’s time as the game-day host for the Calgary Flames has come to an end.

Leslie prompted some speculation this morning when he put out a mysterious tweet, resulting in some believing he was in the know about a Flames trade.

Shortly after his tweet, however, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that the Sportsnet employee will be their new team host come the 2025-26 season.

Leslie is well known to hockey fans across Canada, having worked with Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada for the past decade.

“Ryan’s knowledge of the game, his ability to connect with players and coaches, and his talent for telling the stories that matter make him an incredible addition to our Maple Leafs content team,” said MLSE chief marketing officer Shannon Hosford. “Our fans will benefit from his experience and his passion for bringing them closer to the action.”

In a statement released shortly after the news was first announced, the Maple Leafs explained that Leslie will continue to do “pre-game and post-game coverage, player and coach interviews, and special behind-the-scenes access throughout the season.”

This continues a change in the Flames’ media landscape. Last offseason, long-time TV play-by-play announcer Rick Ball was hired by the Chicago Sports Network to cover the Chicago Blackhawks. Nearly three months later, Jon Abbott was hired as the new play-by-play voice of the Flames.

Leslie was beloved amongst Flames fans, as he had a personal relationship with many players that led to some touching interviews over the years. He also had a humorous side to him, which helped keep the broadcasts light and fun.

The search is on for a new host to replace Leslie as the Flames TV host for the 2025-26 season and beyond.

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