Will Ron MacLean be back on Sportsnet's NHL coverage next season?
Massive changes in the Canadian NHL broadcast world will alter the viewing experience for hockey fans across the country next season. Hockey Night in Canada won’t be airing NHL games, while Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi, has been cancelled entirely.
The Saturday night NHL broadcast will get a new name, and rumours have swirled about potential changes to the on-air talent. We know that Scott Oake and Kelly Hrudey won’t be back, but will the changes end there?
Many have wondered about Ron MacLean.
But a recent report from sports media insider Jonah Sigel suggests that the longtime host won’t be affected by these changes, and is on track to return for his 41st season as an NHL broadcaster.
“Sounds like Ron MacLean will return to Rogers Saturday night hockey, barring the unforeseen,” Sigel reported on Tuesday.
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
— Jonah Sigel | Sports media + streaming (@yyzsportsmedia) August 25, 2026
Daily Hive has learned that MacLean is likely to sign a two-year contract.
MacLean started with Hockey Night in Canada during the 1986-87 NHL season, and is most well-known for co-hosting Coaches Corner with Don Cherry up until 2019.
Sigel did express some uncertainty regarding two of Sportsnet’s biggest broadcasting stars in Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa.
“Neither Elliotte’s [nor] Kevin’s contracts have been finalized as of yet,” Sigel wrote. “Some talk about one or both seeking to do work with Amazon too, but nothing done with either.”
Rogers is set to start a 12-year, $11 billion deal with the NHL this season. Some games will air on Prime Video, including playoff games, through a 12-year sublicensing deal that will come into effect this season.