Brett Hull was apparently the foundation upon which NBC’s studio show was built. In the wake of the outspoken analyst leaving the network for a position with the Dallas Stars, NBC has decided to scrap its studio show altogether, including dropping Bill Clement from his role as studio host.
While concrete plans on how NBC will conduct its broadcasts next year are scarce, the Toronto Globe and Mail reports former NHL player and GM Mike Milbury will replace Hull as an on-site commentator, though it is unknown exactly in what capacity he will serve (either working game broadcasts or intermissions). The status of Ray Ferraro is still undetermined.
With no studio show, NBC could have Mike Emrick or Pierre McGuire serve as master of ceremonies for pregame and intermission segments, or replace the intermission reports with generic sports update segments. Bill Clement could back to his former role as game analyst, possibly with or replacing Eddie Olyczk, but that is speculative at this point.
This move seems to indicate that NBC is lessening its commitment to the NHL. Next season could be the final year the NHL is on NBC; the network is only obligated to air games through this year, though it has an option for the 2008-09 season.
