Elliotte Friedman, Kevin Bieksa’s Sportsnet future unclear amid Amazon NHL push
Broadcasters Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa may leave Sportsnet as their contracts expire before the 2026-27 NHL season. Amazon Prime Video is reportedly considering hiring them to bolster its growing Canadian NHL coverage.
Why it matters
The potential move signals a shift in sports broadcasting as streaming platforms increasingly compete with traditional networks for top-tier talent and rights.
The futures of Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa in the broadcast booth are unclear, as neither has signed contracts with Sportsnet for the 2026-27 NHL season. Amazon Prime Video has emerged as a possible landing spot as it looks to build on its Canadian NHL coverage, but nothing has been finalised.Amazon will air a 12-year deal featuring Wednesday Nite Hockey in Canada and select playoff series. If either broadcaster comes on board, the move could reshape Sportsnet’s NHL presentation and give Amazon two established hockey voices as it builds out its coverage.Could Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Bieksa leave Sportsnet?Both exits are not confirmed, but Sportsnet could be without Friedman and Bieksa if contract talks don’t lead to new deals.The Toronto Star reported that Sportsnet had yet to sign contracts with the two broadcasters for next season.
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