Sportsnet confirms Elliotte Friedman's new co-host for 32 Thoughts after Jeff Marek's departure

Earlier this summer, Sportsnet and longtime sportscaster Jeff Marek parted ways after a rumoured issue between the two parties which was believed to have occurred at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas, Nevada.

On Thursday, Marek's replacement was finally named. As confirmed by Sportsnet, reporter Kyle Bukauskas has drawn the assignment next to Elliotte Friedman in what will be the biggest break in his career.

Bukauskas has been a rinkside reporter for Sportsnet since the 2016, which is also the same year that Auston Matthews was drafted. Maple Leafs fans will be very familiar with Bukauskas, as he often covers Leafs games during the season and interviews players during intermission and following the conclusion of the game.

On top of the exciting announcement regarding Bukauskas joining the 32 Thoughts crew, Sportsnet also released a fun little Q&A with Bukauskas on Thursday, which can be found here.

At this point, we still do not know what will occur with Jeff Marek and where he might end up. We'll be sure to provide any updates we can find on that story as the season inches closer.