NHL's Game-Changing Move: Out-of-Market Games Head to DAZN in Canada

A seismic shift is rumbling through the Canadian sports landscape, and hockey fans are right in the epicenter! Starting with the highly anticipated 2024-25 season, the beloved NHL's out-of-market games – those thrilling matchups not typically shown on national broadcasts – will no longer be found on Sportsnet Now Premium.

Instead, Canadian puck enthusiasts will need to lace up their streaming skates and head over to DAZN.

This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a monumental pivot in how Canadians access their hockey fix. For years, Sportsnet Now Premium, part of the Rogers Communications empire, was the go-to destination for fans wanting to catch every goal, every save, and every nail-biting overtime from teams outside their local market.

Now, that era is drawing to a close, marking a new chapter for sports broadcasting north of the border.

The move isn't entirely out of left field for those keeping an eye on DAZN's aggressive play in the Canadian market. The streaming giant recently made headlines by acquiring the rights to NFL Game Pass in Canada, effectively consolidating premium sports content under one digital roof.

This strategic maneuver signals DAZN's clear ambition: to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of sports streaming in the country. With both out-of-market NHL games and NFL Game Pass, DAZN is rapidly building a compelling, if exclusive, fortress of must-have sports content.

So, what does this mean for the average Canadian hockey fan? Primarily, it means a new subscription.

While DAZN typically offers a more budget-friendly price point than the previous Sportsnet Now Premium, it still represents an additional cost and another platform to navigate. Fans who already subscribe to DAZN for other sports, like European soccer or boxing, will find this a welcome addition, potentially increasing the value of their existing subscription.

However, for those solely looking for NHL action, it's a new hurdle.

This transition also underscores a broader trend in how we consume entertainment. The days of relying solely on traditional cable packages are fading, replaced by a fragmented yet personalized world of streaming services. Sports leagues and broadcasters are continually adapting to these changing viewer habits, seeking to maximize reach and revenue in a digital-first era.

While some lament the proliferation of subscriptions, others embrace the flexibility and on-demand nature that streaming offers.

As the 2024-25 season approaches, Canadian NHL fans will undoubtedly be weighing their options. Will DAZN become their new indispensable sports companion? Or will the fragmentation of content lead to a re-evaluation of how much they're willing to pay to follow their passion? One thing is certain: the face of sports broadcasting in Canada is evolving, and DAZN is at the forefront of this exciting, and sometimes challenging, transformation.

Get ready to stream, Canada!