Despite expected cuts to Sportsnet broadcasting staff, reports suggest that Ron MacLean will likely finish his contract with Sportsnet.

Sportsnet has recently found itself the source of controversy. Following the 2024 NHL Draft, the company fired Elliotte Friedmans 32 Thoughts Podcast co-host, Jeff Marek. After an apparent attempt to sweep the issue under the rug, it was revealed that Marek was under investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board for allegedly leaking teams’ picks early.

“In July, Sportsnet quietly parted ways with Jeff Marek.

It wasn’t the kind of move that normally would have gone unannounced, but the reason behind it led both parties to choose silence.

Marek had been questioned by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and NHL security for allegedly leaking which players teams were drafting moments before picks were publicly announced, according to league and media industry sources.”

Despite this being the situation that led to Marek’s dismissal, Insider reports suggested that there could still be other big names leaving the company. According to yyzsportsmedia, or “Jonah,” this departure could have been an early start to an incoming round of cuts.

“While NOT connected AT ALL it appears that Jeff Marek’s exit from Rogers SN could have come just ahead of what sounds like another round of “changes”/cuts/layoffs for the media company.”

Naturally, viewers had their pick of who they wanted to leave the company next. Arguably the most popular of these names was Ron MacLean, host of Hockey Night in Canada. However, “Jonah” shut down those hopes, implying that MacLean will likely finish out his contract at the company, potentially departing in two years.

“Why make that change before the NHL Rogers deal is up in two years?”

Though he may not be the most popular host on the network, with only two years left, it probably makes better financial sense for Rogers Sportsnet to let Ron MacLean finish out his contract instead of providing a severance package.

Hopefully, they can think ahead of time about who should replace him after he finally retires.