Former NHL goaltender and longtime hockey analyst Kelly Hrudey has confirmed that his time with Sportsnet has come to an end after the network decided not to renew his contract for the 2026-27 season. Hrudey shared the news through a video posted on his social media accounts on Wednesday, bringing an end to his lengthy run as one of the familiar faces of Canada’s NHL broadcasts.
Hrudey had been a regular presence on Hockey Night in Canada and Sportsnet’s NHL coverage, earning recognition for his work as a studio analyst following his playing career. His departure signals another significant change to Rogers’ hockey broadcast lineup ahead of the new season, with the veteran broadcaster informing fans directly that he will no longer be part of the network’s coverage.
Kelly Hrudey’s Longtime Sportsnet Run Comes to an End After Contract Non-Renewal
Kelly Hrudey has confirmed that his 12-year run with Sportsnet is coming to an end after the network decided not to renew his contract for the upcoming NHL season. Sharing the news in a video on Wednesday, the veteran analyst revealed he had been informed of the decision on June 19. “On June 19 I was told that my contract would not be renewed for the upcoming season, so big changes in my life. Thank you, the viewer. You might have hated me or loved me – I’m okay with either [chuckles].” Sportsnet has not publicly commented on the decision or announced who will replace him.
Hrudey became one of the most recognizable faces of Hockey Night in Canada after joining Sportsnet’s national broadcasts in the 2014-15 season. Most recently, he worked alongside Ron MacLean, Kevin Bieksa, and Jennifer Botterill, having built a respected broadcasting career after retiring from professional hockey in 1998. Reflecting on that transition, Hrudey said, “I jumped right into broadcasting for the next 28 years of my my life. I look back and I think you, the viewer, who might have hated me or loved me. I’m okay with either.”
The 65-year-old also thanked everyone he had worked with over the years, raising a glass of red wine to colleagues both on and off camera in his farewell video. Hrudey, who enjoyed an 18-year NHL career beginning with the New York Islanders in 1981, later won the 2007 Gemini Award for Best Sports Analyst for his work on Hockey Night in Canada. Ending his message on an optimistic note, he made it clear his departure does not mark the end of his career, saying, “For all of you … cheers. This is not a retirement.”
Kelly Hrudey’s Hockey and Broadcasting Legacy Spans More Than Four Decades
Kelly Hrudey became a full-time member of Sportsnet’s NHL coverage in 2014, but his broadcasting career stretches back much further. He was part of the launch of Hockey Night in Canada Radio and spent decades as an analyst on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, both during the latter stages of his playing career and after retiring from the NHL. Before stepping behind the microphone, Hrudey enjoyed a 15-year NHL career with the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, finishing with 271 wins while earning three top-five finishes in Vezina Trophy voting. His broadcasting work was also recognized with a Gemini Award in 2007, and he remained a familiar voice on Calgary Flames regional telecasts.
Known for his candid opinions and approachable personality, Hrudey became a regular presence on intermission panels while also earning respect for his advocacy of mental health awareness, openly sharing his own experiences and encouraging conversations around athlete well-being. Although he has not revealed what comes next after leaving Sportsnet, Hrudey hinted that an “Act Three” is still ahead, suggesting he is not finished with hockey. Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s studio coverage is expected to continue with familiar faces such as Elliotte Friedman, Kevin Bieksa, and David Amber, though the network has not announced whether Hrudey will be replaced or if more changes are on the way.
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