Reporter provides update on the immediate future of HNIC host Ron MacLean

Following the recent dismissal of Jeff Marek by Sportsnet, a report had surfaced from Jonah Sigel of YYZ Sports Media, claiming that there were more potential layoffs on the way for Sportsnet. This obviously sent fans into full blown "what if" mode, with some pondering whether or not it's time for a changing of the guard on Hockey Night in Canada and whether Ron MacLean may be next on the chopping block.

Sigel was quick to pour cold water on the idea this week, pointing out the fact that any changes involving MacLean likely would not occur unless they happen when the current broadcasting deal with Rogers ends in two years time.

MacLean has spent nearly four decades working the NHIC broadcasts, beginning back in 1986. He and hockey icon Don Cherry were long the anchors of the program until Cherry made some ill-advised comments on air in 2019, which resulted in his dismissal. Many turned on MacLean after this, believing that he had thrown Cherry under the bus in his public address shortly after Cherry's comments, which some viewed as a misinterpretation of what he was actually trying to say.

As of this time, there has been no indication as to who might be on the chopping block with Sportsnet should this next wave of layoffs occur. What we do know for sure is that these layoffs are not linked in any way to the Marek dismissal and that Elliotte Friedman will be back with the sports media giant this season to continue his "32 Thoughts: podcast, albeit with a new co-pilot.