Elliotte Friedman signing with Amazon Prime: Reporter reveals the truth
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Toronto Sun insider Rob Longley reports that Elliotte Friedman appears to be trending toward re-signing with Sportsnet, even as Amazon Prime Video remains a serious suitor for the veteran NHL reporter's services.
According to Longley, Rogers is working hard to retain Friedman and wants to prevent him from taking on midweek Amazon Prime assignments as part of any new deal.
Friedman's contract with Sportsnet expired last week, making him a free agent alongside longtime studio analyst Kevin Bieksa, who faces a similar holding pattern.
Why It Matters
Friedman has become one of the most trusted names in hockey media since joining Sportsnet, anchoring 32 Thoughts and serving as the network's go to voice on trades, signings and league news.
Losing him would be a significant blow for Sportsnet, especially as the network navigates the end of its Hockey Night in Canada branding after Rogers and CBC ended their partnership this summer.
Amazon has landed a 12-year deal for exclusive Wednesday night NHL broadcasts in Canada and has been aggressively pursuing top talent to build out its coverage.
Sources close to the situation caution that Amazon should not be written off, even with momentum reportedly shifting toward a Sportsnet return for Friedman.
What Comes Next
Bieksa's situation remains unresolved as well. Longley's reporting indicates Ron MacLean's status is also part of the broader conversation as Sportsnet reshapes its NHL coverage for the upcoming season, which begins in early October.
No deal has been finalized for Friedman as of Friday, and talks between Sportsnet and Amazon appear set to continue in the coming days.
This is slowly becoming one of the biggest stories in hockey, and it is very easy to see why.
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