Rumblings that Don Cherry may be among layoffs at Sportsnet

In case you missed it last week, Rogers owned broadcaster Sportsnet laid off three several prominent insiders with Nick Kypreos, Doug Maclean and John Shannon all being shown the door.

Up first was longtime NHL insider Nick Kypreos who made the announcement himself, issuing a statement on Twitter.

Check it out:

I’d like to issue the following statement. pic.twitter.com/UXkEYflmvf
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) August 28, 2019

Kypreos had been with Sportsnet since the company’s inception back in 1998. He was instrumental in helping the network gain legitimacy in its early days and has been Sportsnet’s biggest insider for over two decades.

He was a regular on Sportsnet’s Hockey Central at Noon radio show and a panelist on Rogers branded broadcasts like CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.

Shortly after Kypreos’ announcement, his Hockey Central co-host Doug Maclean also announced that he and Sportsnet have parted ways.
Check it out:

After covering the greatest game in the world for the past 10 years I won’t be returning to Sportsnet . Thanks to all hockey fans for your great support . To my colleagues, especially @RealKyper thanks for the help and friendships. #pei#florida#golf#book
— Doug Maclean (@DougMaclean) August 28, 2019

John Shannon confirmed his lay off just a day later:

Check it out:

Too many stories already.

Just to confirm I won’t be returning to PrimeTime and HockeyCentral this fall.

Ten great years.

Thanks for listening and watching. Thanks for encouraging and critiquing.

Not going away. Will soon storytelling somewhere else. #evolveordie
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) August 30, 2019

Now there’s plenty of speculation online that legendary broadcaster Don Cherry might be the next one on the chopping block. After all, it was reported by Toronto Sun reporter Steve Simmons and later confirmed by Cherry himself that Cherry does NOT have a contract with Sportsnet for the 2019-20 season, but expects to be back.

That was months ago though and Cherry has still yet to put pen to paper on a contract offer from Rogers… so, what gives?

Sean Fitzgerald reports that Cherry will indeed be back with Sportsnet this upcoming season in his latest article for The Athletic:

Sportsnet did not issue an official public response to the rumours, but two sources on the network side said Cherry would be keeping his usual seat on air. As Cherry said shortly after Rogers signed its deal with the NHL: “They won’t fool with Coach’s Corner. And that’s the main thing, isn’t it?”

But again… no confirmation from Rogers. So again… what gives?