Sportsnet announced that it would not renew the contract of veteran analyst Kelly Hrudey for the upcoming NHL season, bringing to a close a broadcasting tenure that stretched over 26 years.
Hrudey, a Calgary native who once guarded the nets for the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, had become a familiar face on the network’s national coverage, recalling a 677‑game NHL career that included a Stanley Cup final appearance with the Kings in 1993.
A changing broadcast landscape
The decision comes as Sportsnet reshapes its NHL rights strategy, moving away from the CBC’s long‑standing partnership and aligning with Amazon Prime Video for mid‑week games and early playoff matchups, a shift that has already altered the network’s on‑air lineup.
For decades, Hrudey had been part of the Hockey Night in Canada studio crew alongside Ron MacLean, David Amber, Jennifer Botterill, Kevin Bieksa, Luke Gazdic and Elliotte Friedman, contributing analysis that blended former‑player insight with a deep love of the game.
On June 19, the broadcaster informed Hrudey that his contract would not be extended, a moment he described as the start of a new chapter. He thanked viewers for their support, acknowledged the mixed reactions that accompanied his career, and emphasized that he was not retiring, hinting at future projects beyond the current season.