Elliotte Friedman finally addresses Jeff Marek's exit on the newest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast
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In his most recent episode of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman finally spoke out about Jeff Marek's firing alongside new co-host Kyle Bukauskas.
The news that Sportsnet had discreetly severed its relationship with longtime host and analyst Jeff Marek early this summer shocked fans. Prior to the action, there were rumors circulating that Marek had disclosed confidential data about players selected in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Marek did release a statement earlier in the offseason confirming his departure from Sportsnet and hinting at his future endeavors, even though he hasn't made a comeback in the hockey media landscape just yet. At one point, he was also spotted reporting in Europe.
As the 2024-25 season approaches. Elliotte Friedman is prepared to revive the 32 Thoughts podcast. Sportsnet revealed on Thursday that longtime in-arena host Kyle Bukauskas will take Jeff Marek's place on the program.
Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas, the new podcast duo, had already released their debut episode by Friday morning.
Friedman did talk about his experiences working with Marek during the podcast, but he refrained from going into specifics regarding the reason behind his on-air partner's firing from Rogers. He did disclose that following Marek's departure from the show, Sportsnet had offered him the chance to leave as well. After making one solo episode in mid-August, Friedman decided to stick with the show, and he later collaborated with Bukauskas.
"We were going to do this for 2000 years we were going to outlive everyone.»
My belief has always been, it's Jeff Marek's story to speak about first and that's the way I'm going to leave it. When Jeff talks, some day after that, I will talk. Jeff is a great broadcaster, he brought out the best in me in this podcast and he's a huge reason why it's got to where it is. I will miss his stupid weird ideas, and I will miss working with him,» Friedman added. «As great as he is a broadcaster, he's an even better person I believe Jeff will land on his feet. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter in his life is."
- Elliotte Friedman
My belief has always been, it's Jeff Marek's story to speak about first and that's the way I'm going to leave it. When Jeff talks, some day after that, I will talk. Jeff is a great broadcaster, he brought out the best in me in this podcast and he's a huge reason why it's got to where it is. I will miss his stupid weird ideas, and I will miss working with him,» Friedman added. «As great as he is a broadcaster, he's an even better person I believe Jeff will land on his feet. I look forward to seeing what the next chapter in his life is."
- Elliotte Friedman
The new co-hosts went on to discuss the offseason actions of each team, offered heartfelt tributes to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, conjectured about a potential Sidney Crosby contract extension in Pittsburgh, and offered an early look at Mitch Marner's potential future in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
7 SEPTEMBRE | 127 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman finally addresses Jeff Marek's exit on the newest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast Do you think Kyle Bukauskas will make the podcast as successful as Jeff Marek? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 44.1 % |
| No | 71 | 55.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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