The NHL is in discussion with ESPN to bring Hockey back to the network for the 2008-2009 season. The league apparently approached the Leader to take over for NBC's 9 game schedule. There is one major stepping stone though....Versus.

 

Versus holds cable exclusivity to all of the NHL?s games through 2011 and is paying the league a rights fee "in excess of $70[M] annually.? Sources indicated that the net would be ?willing to waive that clause, but only if it gets something in return -- either a lower rights fee, a stronger schedule or a deal extension.?

i'd rather keep the NBC coverage - i thought they did a pretty good job with it

 

so instead of Vs/NBC we get Vs/ESPN - really the only advantage I could see to this from a fans standpoint is ESPN would feel the need to start promoting their programming through highlights and better discussion of the NHL in their other programming