Reports of more firings coming from Sportsnet after Kelly Hrudey's dismissal

UPDATE: Following last night's news that Sportsnet has decided NOT to renew Kelly Hrudey's contract for 2026-27, there are reports rolling in that Sportsnet's parent company Rogers is not done making cuts to its on-air talent.

Rob Longley of The Toronto Sun reports today that there is "speculation of sweeping changes in personnel for Sportsnet's NHL broadcasts."

For more details on these rumors, check out Longley's article linked here.

For more details on Hrudey's dismissal, read below.

Ooh boy, Sportsnet and their parent company Rogers are sure riding a PR roller coaster this offseason.

After recent announcements of a price hike, diminished service and the outright cancelling of several local radio outlets, Sportsnet is once again under fire for their handling of longtime broadcaster Kelly Hrudey.

Hrudey announced on social media last night that his contract with Sportsnet was not renewed and that he will not be a part of Hockey Night in Canada or regional Calgary Flames broadcasts this upcoming season, for the first time since 1998.

Hrudey has been an integral part of Sportsnet's on-air talent since 2014, but originally started as an analyst for CBC immediately following his retirement from playing in the late 90s. Since then, he's become a fan favourite for his insights, particularly on the goaltending position. Now, he's without a job for the upcoming season, but assured fans that he isn't planning to retire just yet. At least, not on these terms.

“On June 19, I was told that my contract was not going to be renewed for the upcoming season,” Hrudey said on a video he posted to his official X account. “So big changes in my life.”

From Hrudey himself:

I have just one question...

If Hrudey is out... how do Ron MacLean and Jen Botterill still have their jobs?

While I'm not the biggest Hrudey defender in Canada, I did enjoy his analysis and thought he was particularly insightful more often than not. Kevin Bieksa is the obvious star of the Sportsnet panel and Elliotte Friedman brings an insider's perspective, but for the life of me I can't figure out MacLean's and/or Botterill's appeal.

MacLean's time has come and gone. He used to play the foil to Don Cherry so well, but now he's just a dry straight-man with no sidekick. Botterill is just as dry and maybe twice as bland.

Fan reaction to Hrudey's dismissal is now pouring in and, by nearly all accounts, fans are not happy. In fact, most fans seem to be in lock-step with me and area calling for MacLean's and Botterill's dismissal on social media.

Check it out:

It'll be curious to see what other changes come to Sportsnet's broadcast team before the puck drops on the 2026-27 NHL season. Stay tuned.