The Truth About Elliotte Friedman Jumping Ship Is Finally Revealed

If you’re caught up in the drama of NHL insider Elliotte Friedman possibly trading Rogers for Amazon and jumping ship, don’t get too excited. It doesn’t appear to be a given that Friedman is leaving Rogers and Sportsnet. In fact, it sounds like a deal to stay might be close.

As per Jonah Sigel:

“Sources: Elliotte is vacationing overseas; most deal terms have been agreed to with Rogers. The notion Amazon had made a significant or serious offer is complete fiction. There may have been discussions, but “Amazon wasn’t going to blow up their entire payroll for an insider.”

The rumored seven-figure offer that Amazon put on the table might be inaccurate. So too might the idea that Rogers isn’t overly concerned about Friedman leaving because they own most of the television rights for the NHL and that regardless of who they put on the panel, people will watch.

Rogers wants Friedman. Friedman is interested in staying. It was just a matter of the finer details and the specific terms and that’s being worked out, according to the latest report.

As one fan wrote, it makes a lot of sense for Amazon to try and get the big name. But also, with them only having the one night and then regionals, it doesn’t make much sense for them to give Friedman a blank cheque just to make the jump. He’s a big name, but does he really move the needle in terms of viewership? His podcast and online social media presence might be the more lucrative aspect of having him on payroll.

Next: When a Big Trade Backfires, But Not for the Team You’d Expect?