Entertainment

Former NHL goalie turned broadcaster Kelly Hrudey says Sportsnet contract not renewed

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The Sportsnet logo is photographed at the Toronto office on Monday, September 30, 2019. Former NHL goaltender turned broadcaster Kelly Hrudey said Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 that his contract wasn't renewed by the company THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin

CALGARY — Hockey commentator Kelly Hrudey says Sportsnet has not renewed his contract for the upcoming NHL season.

The former NHL goaltender retired from playing in 1998 and immediately embarked on a broadcasting career.

Hrudey regularly worked on Hockey Night in Canada and Calgary Flames regional game broadcasts.

The 65-year-old from Edmonton, who lives in Calgary, played 677 NHL games for the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, and reached the Stanley Cup final in 1993 with the Kings.

Rogers-owned Sportsnet has made changes to its national NHL broadcasts, which will no longer air on CBC.

Rogers and Amazon Prime Video recently announced a 12-year sublicensing agreement that gives Prime Video exclusive rights to Wednesday games and some early-round Stanley Cup playoff games.

Hrudey was part of a HNIC studio crew rotation that included Ron MacLean, David Amber, Jennifer Botterill, Kevin Bieksa, Luke Gazdic and Elliotte Friedman.

“On June 19, I was told that my contract was not going to be renewed for the upcoming season, so big changes in my life,” Hrudey said in a video posted on a social media account.

“I thank you, the viewer. You might have hated me or loved me. I’m OK with either.”

Hrudey said he wasn’t retiring without stating his plans.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2026.

The Canadian Press