Fans have two names in mind for Sportsnet's next round of firings

The former NHL goaltender revealed this week that his contract will not be renewed for the 2026-27 season, closing out a broadcasting career that began in 1998 after his playing days with the Islanders, Kings, and Sharks.

Hrudey learned the news on June 19 but waited until now to share it publicly, thanking viewers, producers, and behind-the-scenes crews in an emotional video posted to social media.

The reaction on X was immediate, and much of it wasn't about Hrudey at all. Instead, fans turned their frustration toward two of his former panel mates, Ron MacLean and Jennifer Botterill.

Comments flooded in questioning why the network let go of a respected analyst while keeping broadcasters some viewers see as stale. One widely shared sentiment summed up the mood: if Hrudey is out, how do MacLean and Botterill still have their jobs?

Critics argue MacLean, who has hosted Hockey Night in Canada intermissions for 37 years, has lost the spark he once had opposite Don Cherry, while Botterill draws complaints for lacking energy on air.

Hrudey insists this is not a retirement, calling it the start of "act three" in his career, though he hasn't revealed his next move.

His departure lands during a major shakeup in Canadian hockey broadcasting, with CBC exiting NHL coverage and Rogers beginning a new 12-year rights deal.

Whether Sportsnet responds to the fan pressure by making further changes to its Hockey Night in Canada panel remains unclear, but for now, viewers are making their preferences loud and clear online.

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