Are Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa leaving Sportsnet as Amazon Prime Video expands NHL coverage in Canada | NHL News
The futures of Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa in the broadcast booth are unclear, as neither has signed contracts with Sportsnet for the 2026-27 NHL season. Amazon Prime Video has emerged as a possible landing spot as it looks to build on its Canadian NHL coverage, but nothing has been finalised.Amazon will air a 12-year deal featuring Wednesday Nite Hockey in Canada and select playoff series. If either broadcaster comes on board, the move could reshape Sportsnet’s NHL presentation and give Amazon two established hockey voices as it builds out its coverage.
Could Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa leave Sportsnet?
Both exits are not confirmed, but Sportsnet could be without Friedman and Bieksa if contract talks don’t lead to new deals.The Toronto Star reported that Sportsnet had yet to sign contracts with the two broadcasters for next season. Amazon Prime Video was also highlighted as a possibility for both.At this point, the information available points toward uncertainty, not a concluded move. If the network strikes new deals with them, discussions can continue, and both analysts could stay with Sportsnet.Friedman is one of the most recognised NHL insiders in North American hockey media. He’s become a go-to guy for trade rumours, free agency news and other league news through his reporting, including his work on 32 Thoughts.Bieksa has a different perspective. The former Vancouver Canucks defenceman moved into broadcasting after retirement and quickly developed a reputation as a loudmouth analyst with a unique personality.Their different styles make them a good television team. Friedman is mostly reporting and league information, while Bieksa provides former-player insight and a more direct analytical approach.
What could Amazon Prime Video offer Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa?
Amazon’s growing presence in the NHL could be a good opportunity for both broadcasters.In its long-term deal, Amazon will televise Wednesday Nite Hockey and some playoff series in Canada beginning with the 2026-27 season. The deal gives the streaming service an increasingly important role in Canadian NHL broadcasts.Friedman and Bieksa could help Amazon gain instant credibility. Friedman would bring insider reporting and league-wide recognition, while Bieksa could provide analysis, personality and familiarity to viewers making the transition to the platform.If Sportsnet lost either of those broadcasters, its NHL panel would look different. If it lost both, its on-air persona could be radically changed.Sportsnet still has some seasoned personalities, including Ron MacLean, who is reportedly returning for the 2026-27 season. Friedman and Bieksa, however, play unique roles that cannot be easily duplicated.Neither Friedman nor Bieksa have publicly announced a final deal with Amazon Prime Video, and their Sportsnet futures are up in the air.So this is more of a developing story in broadcasting than a confirmed departure. There’s also the possibility that before the season begins, the contract talks could go a different way and both analysts end up remaining with Sportsnet.The big question right now is whether Sportsnet re-signs Friedman and Bieksa, or whether Amazon uses its growing NHL presence to add two of Canada’s best-known hockey broadcasters.
