First Don Cherry and now Ron MacLean, their careers in broadcasting are over.
Via NHL Breakers & YYZ:
Rogers and Sportsnet's exclusive NHL national broadcast rights in Canada has hit a new low this season. According to YYZSportsMedia, executives at Rogers believe the show is in "desperate need" of a complete overhaul. Viewer response has been on a steady decline, with many this season sharing MUCH displeasure with the intermission betting segment during every broadcast. Furthermore, YYZ states that the Maple Leafs failing to make it past the first round and no Canadian team in the final will certainly not help viewership. Per YYZ, a lone bright spot for "Hockey Night in Canada" has been Kevin Bieksa, as many viewers resonate with his candid hockey analysis.
All of this taken into account points to the end of Ron MacLean's run with HNIC, as Rogers hopes to compete with younger demographics, similar to what TNT has done.
It's not a surprise that the viewership is at a all-time low, after they fired Don Cherry in the past.