Reports that Kevin Bieksa, Elliotte Friedman and Kelly Hrudey are all set to join Sportsnet's rival

The Canadian hockey broadcasting landscape could be in for a major shakeup heading into the 2026-27 NHL season, with two of Sportsnet’s most recognizable personalities, Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa, reportedly facing uncertain futures with the network.

Neither Friedman nor Bieksa is believed to have an agreement in place with Sportsnet for the upcoming season, and speculation has already begun that the longtime broadcast partners could be headed elsewhere. The most prominent possibility is Amazon Prime Video, which is significantly expanding its presence in Canadian hockey after reaching a 12-year agreement with Rogers to carry Wednesday night national NHL games, along with select Stanley Cup Playoff series.

That expansion has naturally made Amazon an intriguing destination for established Canadian hockey personalities. While there has been plenty of speculation connecting Friedman and Bieksa to Prime Video, it is important to stress that nothing has been officially finalized. Reports have described both broadcasters as being without Sportsnet agreements rather than confirming that they have already signed elsewhere.

For Amazon, however, adding either broadcaster would make plenty of sense. Friedman has established himself as one of the most trusted insiders in the Canadian hockey media landscape. His combination of reporting, salary-cap knowledge and league-wide connections has made him an important part of Sportsnet's NHL coverage since joining the network in 2014.

Bieksa, meanwhile, has developed into one of Canadian hockey's most recognizable television personalities since transitioning from his playing career. His willingness to speak candidly, combined with his sense of humour and obvious chemistry with Friedman and the rest of the panel, has helped make him a fan favourite.

Losing the pair would therefore represent a significant blow to Sportsnet's presentation. Friedman isn't simply another studio analyst, and Bieksa isn't simply another former NHL player with a microphone. Both bring personalities and perspectives that have become closely associated with Hockey Night in Canada.

And if Sportsnet does lose them, there is another familiar name who could potentially become part of the shuffle: Kelly Hrudey.

Hrudey recently confirmed that Sportsnet would not renew his contract for the 2026-27 season, ending a remarkable 28-year run as a full-time Hockey Night in Canada contributor. The former NHL goaltender made it clear, however, that his departure from Sportsnet does not represent a retirement.

That leaves Hrudey's next move particularly interesting. If Friedman and Bieksa ultimately leave for Amazon, there is at least a possibility that Hrudey could wind up joining them, creating a rather remarkable reunion of familiar Sportsnet faces on a competing broadcast.

For now, though, there is more speculation than certainty. Amazon has confirmed that it will have an expanded NHL presence, but the company has yet to announce its complete on-air lineup.

With training camps approaching and the new season just around the corner, the futures of Friedman and Bieksa could become one of the biggest stories in Canada's hockey media landscape. And if the rumours ultimately become reality, Sportsnet could look dramatically different when the puck drops on 2026-27.