Rumours swirl about Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa's futures at Sportsnet
There’s smoke, but is there fire surrounding the apparent uncertain futures of two of Sportsnet’s biggest stars?
The rumour mill has been working overtime ever since Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa reportedly became “free agents” on Sept. 1. Fans have understandably been freaking out after the news was first reported by sports media insider Jonah Sigel.
And because you are asking , I'm told that both Elliotte and Kevin will essentially be free agents when their deals expire today. This doesn't mean either or both won't return but my sources tell me neither has yet to do so… As they say, could change in a minute ..
— Jonah Sigel | Sports media + streaming (@yyzsportsmedia) August 31, 2026
Friedman moved from CBC to Sportsnet, along with Hockey Night in Canada, in 2014. Since then, he has taken the mantle as hockey’s No. 1 insider, making him one of the most influential people in the sport.
Bieksa has been with the network since 2020. Quick wit combined with intelligent analysis has made him arguably the best analyst covering the NHL today. He has won the “best sports analyst” Canadian Screen Award three years in a row.
While Sportsnet has taken a ton of criticism from fans in recent years, Friedman and Bieksa are likely the network’s two most popular hockey broadcasters.
It begs the question: are Sportsnet execs playing with fire here?
Maybe not with Friedman, who is “inching closer” to a deal with Sportsnet, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun.
As for Bieksa, Longley is reporting that the former Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks defenceman has “entertained opportunities” to work in the United States.
Will Kevin Bieksa be back on Canadian television next year? (Sportsnet)
Bieksa lives in Southern California, so it’s not like the commute to Toronto is convenient anyway. And wouldn’t he fit in well on an NHL on TNT panel?
Whatever the case, it’ll be fascinating to see what NHL hockey looks like on Saturday nights this season.
We know the show won’t be called “Hockey Night in Canada” going forward. Kelly Hrudey isn’t being brought back, and Jennifer Botterill is reportedly moving to Monday night.
What about After Hours? Will Sportsnet continue the popular post-game feature following Scott Oake’s retirement?
With the puck dropping on the NHL regular season in late September, we’ll know answers to all these questions very soon.
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