Edmonton Oilers Fans Brace for Major Broadcast Overhaul as Team Confirms Sweeping Changes to Coverage, Talent, and Format

In a move that has sent ripples through the hockey world, the Edmonton Oilers have officially confirmed massive changes to their broadcast operations, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a bold new chapter for how the team is covered on television and radio. These sweeping adjustments, effective starting with the 2025-26 NHL season, will impact everything from the on-air talent to the overall format, tone, and platform availability of Oilers games, both locally and nationally.

For fans accustomed to a certain rhythm and familiarity during game nights — the voices, the commentary style, the pacing of the pregame and postgame shows — this announcement represents a fundamental shift. The Oilers organization, in conjunction with new media rights partners, is charting a fresh course that reflects the evolving landscape of sports media. With streaming giants, evolving viewer habits, and a younger demographic demanding more interactive and digestible content, the Oilers are embracing modernization, even if it means letting go of long-tenured and well-loved figures in the broadcast booth.

One of the most significant changes involves the departure of veteran play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels, who has been a staple of Oilers radio and television broadcasts for over a decade. Michaels, known for his passionate delivery and encyclopedic knowledge of the franchise, will not return in his current role. The team released a statement thanking him for his “tremendous contributions to the Oilers experience,” and noting that the decision was driven by “strategic realignment rather than individual performance.” Michaels himself posted a heartfelt message to fans on social media, expressing gratitude and pride in the years he spent calling some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.

Joining Michaels in exiting the broadcast stage is color commentator Bob Stauffer, whose connection to the Oilers extended far beyond the booth. Stauffer, who also served as the host of the team’s long-running “Oilers Now” radio show, had become one of the most recognizable voices surrounding the team. While some fans found his style overly partisan, others appreciated his deep ties to the organization and his behind-the-scenes insights. The Oilers’ decision not to renew his contract reflects a wider intent to introduce fresh perspectives and diverse voices to the conversation around the team.

Replacing Michaels and Stauffer are a pair of newcomers with significant broadcasting pedigrees. Taking over play-by-play duties is Kate Beirness, a former TSN anchor and rising star in the hockey world. Beirness brings a sharp, analytical edge to her calls and has been praised for her clarity and composure under pressure. Her appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes one of the few women in NHL history to serve as a full-time play-by-play announcer. The color commentary role will be filled by former NHL defenseman and analyst Mike Johnson, who brings a wealth of on-ice experience and a calm, measured approach to analysis. The duo is expected to bring a more modern, data-driven tone to the broadcasts, in line with the current wave of hockey analytics and advanced stat integration.

The Oilers have also announced a major shift in how their games will be distributed. Gone are the days of exclusive partnerships with traditional regional sports networks. Starting next season, all Oilers games will be available through a hybrid distribution model that includes a dedicated streaming platform, “Oilers+,” alongside select broadcasts on national television networks such as Sportsnet and CBC. “Oilers+” will offer not only live games but also behind-the-scenes content, documentary-style features, and exclusive interviews. The goal, according to the team’s media release, is to create a “24/7 Oilers experience” that extends far beyond puck drop.

This approach is consistent with a growing trend in sports broadcasting, where franchises are increasingly taking content control into their own hands. The model allows for increased revenue opportunities, greater control over brand messaging, and a direct relationship with the fanbase. However, it also requires fans to adapt, particularly older viewers who may be less comfortable navigating streaming subscriptions and digital platforms. Recognizing this, the Oilers have pledged to provide extensive customer support and education leading up to the launch of the new platform.

The in-game broadcast experience will also be receiving a facelift. New graphics packages, improved camera angles, and even augmented reality features will be implemented to enhance the viewer experience. There will also be a greater emphasis on interactivity, with live fan polls, real-time social media integration, and second-screen experiences designed to keep younger viewers engaged. Pregame shows will be reimagined to include more storytelling and features on players’ lives away from the rink, offering fans a deeper connection to the team’s personalities.

Reaction from the Oilers faithful has been mixed, as is often the case with sweeping change. Many fans took to social media to express disappointment over the departure of familiar voices, particularly Michaels, whose emotive calls have become part of the soundtrack to Oilers hockey in recent years. Others, however, expressed optimism and excitement for a modernized, cutting-edge approach that better aligns with how they already consume media.

The NHL, for its part, has expressed support for the Oilers’ bold direction. League commissioner Gary Bettman noted in a recent interview that “teams taking control of their content and elevating the digital experience is a crucial step in growing the game,” and lauded the Oilers for “being proactive and forward-thinking.” Industry insiders also suggest that if Edmonton’s model proves successful, it could serve as a template for other teams looking to revamp their broadcast operations in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

This new era of Oilers broadcasting also includes enhanced coverage of the team’s minor league and developmental affiliates, as well as expanded offerings in French and Indigenous languages — an effort aimed at reaching underrepresented communities in Alberta and beyond. The move has been applauded by cultural advocates who argue that hockey, as Canada’s national pastime, must reflect the diversity of the nation’s people.

Beyond the broadcast booth and the technical bells and whistles, the Oilers have also emphasized a renewed commitment to authenticity and accountability in their coverage. Team president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson explained that part of the strategy is to encourage critical analysis and embrace difficult conversations about the team’s performance. While official broadcasters are still employed or contracted by the organization, Jackson suggested that credibility with fans requires honesty, even when things aren’t going well. That message appears to signal a shift from the more guarded and polished tone of previous seasons.

The overhaul comes at a pivotal moment in franchise history. With a roster built around the brilliance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and expectations of contending for a Stanley Cup every season, the Oilers understand that the interest and scrutiny surrounding the team have never been higher. They also recognize that in a crowded entertainment market, attention is earned — not guaranteed. The goal is not just to retain loyal viewers but to win over new generations of fans, including those outside of Edmonton who follow the team online or via social media.

To that end, the Oilers are also hiring a new digital content team to create short-form videos, interactive stats graphics, and real-time memes and highlights tailored for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). There’s even talk of integrating AI-powered commentary and multi-language options during live games, something the NBA has piloted and which has garnered strong engagement metrics in international markets.

What the Oilers are attempting is ambitious and perhaps risky, but it reflects a reality that is unavoidable: sports broadcasting is changing, and teams must change with it or risk being left behind. The days of passive viewing, local-only coverage, and traditional sports commentary are rapidly giving way to immersive, on-demand, global content ecosystems. For the Edmonton Oilers, this is not just a broadcast overhaul — it is a strategic reinvention of the fan experience itself.

How well it works will depend on execution, adoption, and, of course, results on the ice. Fans will always be most loyal when their team is winning. But in the modern era, how the games are delivered — and how they make fans feel in the process — may prove just as important. The Oilers are betting big on the future. Now, it’s time to see if the fans are ready to come along for the ride.