The rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs has captivated fans despite their limited matchups each season. This clash of elite West and East teams not only battles for supremacy on the ice but also stirs up intense support among fans, making it a showdown for the title of the best team in Canada. Plus, it's the prime showdown between McDavid and Matthews.
Naturally, media outlets nationwide are building up the anticipation for this game, and it's expected to draw a considerable viewership. Unfortunately, the excitement may be dampened for many fans due to the NHL's questionable broadcasting deals.
Since it's categorized as a regional game rather than a national broadcast, only customers of major telecoms in Alberta and Ontario will have access. Given the marquee nature of this matchup, limiting the audience to regional broadcast seems counterintuitive for the NHL.
Looking ahead, as the current deal with Rogers, the NHL's rights holder in Canada, concludes at the end of the 2024-25 season, there's an opportunity for the league to reassess its broadcasting strategy.
If the NHL is serious about expanding the game's reach and improving hockey's marketing, exploring alternatives beyond Sportsnet could be a step in the right direction. Many argue that Rogers and Sportsnet, throughout their broadcasting deal, have been less than ideal for both the league and its fanbase.
