"Glad it'll come to an end" - Fans react to how potential Shohei Ohtani-Blue Jays deal could spell the end of Rogers' NHL rights

The potential acquisition of Shohei Ohtani by the Toronto Blue Jays has raised questions about the future of Rogers' NHL broadcasting rights.

NHL on Sportsnet, the comprehensive coverage of the NHL by Canadian media giant Rogers Communications, has been a staple for hockey enthusiasts countrywide.

However, the possibility of Ohtani joining the Toronto Blue Jays, owned by Rogers, has led to speculation that the company may prioritize baseball over hockey. This has ignited discussions about the potential consequences for League coverage in Canada.

One tweet from the Toronto Sun, authored by Steve Simmons, suggested that the Ohtani deal might be contingent on Rogers dropping NHL broadcasting rights. This would lead to a scenario where Sportsnet transforms into an exclusive platform for Blue Jays content.

NHL fans swiftly reacted to the news, expressing their opinions on social media.

One fan voiced relief, stating,

"Glad the Rogers NHL rights will come to an end. The team there besides Bieksa is terrible. TSN is much better."

Another fan questioned the viability of Rogers' channels during the winter months without NHL content, saying,

"So Rogers will close their channels during the winter months? They don't have basketball or football or even soccer. They can't pay the bills with grand slam curling."

A third fan proposed a different solution, suggesting,

"Let CBC and TSN split it up."

As fans eagerly await further developments, the potential end of Rogers' League broadcasting rights could mark a significant turning point in Canadian sports television. Whether or not the Ohtani-Blue Jays deal materializes, the discussions ignited by these rumors are running wild.

2024 NHL Stadium Series

The 2024 Stadium Series is set to break from its traditional single-game format by featuring two outdoor regular-season games during the 2023–24 season. Scheduled for Feb. 17–18, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the event will highlight two matchups. The Philadelphia Flyers will face the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers will take on the New York Islanders.

The decision to expand to a two-game format was disclosed on June 3, 2023. Rangers, one of the three New York metropolitan area teams, will play as the 'visiting' team to maintain the tax-exempt status of Madison Square Garden.

MetLife Stadium's renovations, undertaken in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will include the removal of some low-level sideline seats.