Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reacts to the shocking news of his colleague's firing

UPDATE: Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has chimed in on the dismissal of his long-time friend and colleague Kelly Hrudey, whom last night announced that Sportsnet had not renewed his contract for the upcoming season.

From Friedman on social media today:

Read below for our earlier report on Hrudey's dismissal from Sportsnet.

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.

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.

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.