I never would have believed it if it hadn't come from the man himself, but TSN has lost the broadcast rights to NHL hockey for the next 12 years to a combination of Rogers Sportsnet and CBC/Hockey Night in Canada.

Pains me to report this, but NHL closing in on landmark CDN TV deal with two CDN networks. Many years (10+), many billions. #overandout — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 26, 2013

Official announcement expected Tuesday by NHL: CBC and Rogers have exclusive English-language NHL rights deal. Believed to be 12 year deal. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 26, 2013

I'm not even sure how to process this news, because TSN is so intrinsically tied to the NHL for me, more so than Hockey Night in Canada.

Trade Deadline Day is TSN. Draft Day is TSN. Free Agent Frenzy is TSN.

TSN has done more to hype the NHL than any other network, and now it's gone.

The deal also effects French broadcast rights in Canada:

My mistake, apologies. 60 #Habs games to RDS; 22 plus playoffs to TVA. Hope to be speaking this am with an RDS executive. More to come — Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) November 26, 2013

Fear not Habs fans, you'll still have access to 82 games:

Habs fans will see all 82 games in this new configuration on television. 82 matchs du Canadien diffusera à la télé la prochaine année. — BrianWilde (@BWildeCTV) November 26, 2013

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