NHL strikes new 12-year, $5.2 billion Canadian TV deal; HNIC safe; TSN out

James Duthie, Bob McKenzie and the TSN crew are odd men out under the NHL's new deal. (Getty Images) By Allan Muir Globe and Mail Hockey Night In Canada , the

James Duthie, Bob McKenzie and the TSN crew are odd men out under the NHL's new deal. (Getty Images)

By Allan Muir

Globe and Mail

Hockey Night In Canada

, the gold standard in Canadian sports broadcasting since 1952, will continue to be a staple of free Saturday night viewing.\nHowever, the CBC's broadcasting role will be diminished. In its own press release, the network stated that it is committed to "320 hours of prime-time hockey [per season], including games in the choice Saturday night-time slot and the Stanley Cup Final," but only for the next four years.\n

Hockey Theme,

Maple Leafs

Canadiens

Jets

“Sports content is a key strategic asset and we’ve been investing significantly to strengthen our sports offering to Canadians,” said Nadir Mohamed, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rogers Communications. “Canadians are passionate about hockey, and through this landmark partnership with the NHL we’ll be able to bring hockey fans more games and more content on their platform of choice.”