Ron MacLean returning to Hockey Night in Canada after rumours of dismissal

One of Canada's most iconic broadcasters isn't leaving his post just yet.

Ron MacLean says he will be returning to Hockey Night in Canada for the 2023-24 NHL season, dispelling any rumours of his possible departure from the program. MacLean broke the news earlier this week at a charity golf event, per former Sportsnet colleague John Shannon.

Speculation was brewing about MacLean's status with Sportsnet and CBC after former FAN 590 and National Post reporter Howard Berger was told by a source that "We may not recognize the Hockey Night In Canada panel next season." The source also informed Berger that "only Elliotte Friedman is safe from the changes and cost–cutting measures on the horizon."

MacLean wasn't the only member of the HNIC panel to confirm he will be back on the airwaves next season, with Kevin Bieksa also declaring he'll return. Other panel members including Kelly Hrudey and Jennifer Botterill have not yet weighed in.

MacLean began hosting Hockey Night in Canada in 1986 and held the job until 2014. After two years away from the position, he returned to the program in 2016. He perhaps most notably hosted the Coach's Corner segment with Don Cherry from 1986 to 2019, when Cherry was fired for divisive on-air comments.

The 63-year-old MacLean also served as the host of Hometown Hockey, a show that travelled to a different part of Canada each week. Hometown Hockey was cancelled ahead of the 2022-23 campaign after an eight-season run.

After the show's cancellation last summer, MacLean sat down with The Athletic and denied speculation that he and Sportsnet were looking to part ways. He said at that time that a new contract had not been finalized but was agreed to in principle.

Sportsnet is entering the final three seasons of a 12-year, $5.2-billion rights deal it signed with the NHL in 2013.