The current logo for ESPN's NHL broadcasts on ESPN, ESPN+, ABC, and Hulu (2021-present). (๐ธ Photo courtesy of Disney Advertising Press)
| ● Monday, October 6, 2025
Stanley Cup champion T.J. Oshie joins the ESPN family as an NHL studio and game analyst for the 2025-26 NHL season.
John Tortorella returns to ESPN/ABC as NHL studio analyst for the 2025-26 NHL season.
Ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, ESPN has decided to re-up several key NHL on-air talent at the network, including play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen, analysts Kevin Weekes, P.K. Subban, and Cassie Campbell-Pascall, and reporter Leah Hextall. (๐ธ Photo courtesy of ESPN Press Room)
With the 2025-26 NHL season set to begin this week, ESPN has reached multi-year agreements with several NHL commentators, including Bob Wischusen, Kevin Weekes, P.K. Subban, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, & Leah Hextall. This group of announcers, along with other on-air personalities, will serve as the backbone for ESPN's NHL coverage this year.
Bob Wischusen, who began his tenure at ESPN in 2005 as a play-by-play announcer, has played a significant role in the network's NHL coverage since it reacquired the rights to the NHL in 2021. A native of New Jersey, he is recognized for his professionalism and his talent for narrating the stories of the athletes he covers across various sports, including college football and golf. Currently, Wischusen serves as the radio voice for the NFL's New York Jets.
Cassie Campbell-Pascall, a four-time Olympic medalist and eight-time IIHF World champion, continues her role with ESPN's NHL coverage, having first joined the NHL team in 2021. Renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to the sport of hockey, Campbell-Pascall made history in 2006 by becoming the first woman to serve as a color analyst for CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. Additionally, she holds the position of special advisor to the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).
Norris Trophy winner and three-time NHL All-Star P.K. Subban will retain his role alongside fellow analyst Mark Messier and host Steve Levy for "ABC Hockey Saturday" studio coverage beginning in January. P.K. is known for his relatability and his lively personality. In addition, Subban, who played in the NHL for 13 seasons, is very generous with his time off the ice, staying involved in youth hockey initiatives throughout the United States and Canada.
Kevin Weekes, a former NHL goaltender recognized as one of the most reliable and trustworthy voices in hockey, is set to continue his dual role as both a game and studio analyst for ESPN/ABC. Having spent 11 seasons in the NHL, Weekes made history in 2009 by becoming the first Black analyst to provide coverage for ice hockey at the professional level. He continues to represent the sport of hockey with distinction through his impressive body of work in both the United States and Canada.
Now in her fifth season at ESPN, Leah Hextall will once again serve as a reporter during ESPN's NHL game coverage. In 2020, Leah was the first female play-by-play commentator to call an NHL game. Additionally, she was the first woman to call an NCAA men's ice hockey championship game for ESPN back in 2019. Hextall's experience helps elevate her groundbreaking work in hockey. Leah will continue to be a signature voice for the NHL on ESPN.
This year, ESPN welcomes a new face to the team. T.J. Oshie, who played for 16 seasons between the St. Louis Blues and the Washington Capitals, combined for more than 1,000 regular-season games and 302 goals. Oshie also added 69 points in 106 Stanley Cup Playoff games, highlighted by 21 points during the 2018 Stanley Cup championship run for the Capitals. Oshie will split his time between a game analyst and a studio analyst.
John Tortorella returns to ESPN's NHL studio coverage this year following a one-year stint with the network back in 2021-22. Tortorella, known for his down-to-earth style and unique commentary, brings nearly a quarter of a century of experience to the table. Tortorella was a head coach in the NHL for 23 years, including leading the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2003-04.
2025-26 NHL Regular Season & Postseason NHL on ESPN Commentators/Reporters:
- Play-by-Play: Sean McDonough (lead), Bob Wischusen (#2), John Buccigross, Steve Levy, Mike Monaco, Roxy Bernstein, & John Kelly
- Analysts: Ray Ferraro (lead), Kevin Weekes, AJ Mleczko, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Blake Bolden, P.K. Subban, T.J. Oshie, Mark Messier, John Tortorella, & Dave Jackson (Rules Analyst)
- Reporters: Emily Kaplan, Stormy Buonantony, Blake Bolden, Ryan Clark, Leah Hextall, Emily Kaplan (NHL insider), Kristen Shilton, & Greg Wyshynski
- Hosts: Steve Levy (lead), John Buccigross, & Arda ำฆcal
ESPN's complete on-air NHL talent lineup for the 2025-26 NHL season. (๐ธ Photo courtesy of ESPN Press Room)
ESPN's coverage of the 2025-26 NHL season begins with a tripleheader on Tuesday, October 7. ESPN and the ESPN App will provide coverage of all three games. Tuesday's Opening Night tripleheader begins at 5:00 PM (ET) as the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers host Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Bob Wischusen calls play-by-play alongside analyst Kevin Weekes and reporter Emily Kaplan. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins face the New York Rangers at 8:00 PM (ET), with ESPN's lead duo of Sean McDonough and Ray Ferraro providing commentary, with reporter Leah Hextall. In the 10:30 PM (ET) nightcap, Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Kings as play-by-play announcer John Buccigross teams up with analyst Cassie Campbell-Pascall for the game broadcast.
This year, the Walt Disney Company will broadcast 100 NHL regular-season games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, and Hulu.
For more information about the 2025-26 NHL on ABC Schedule, please click this link.
For more information about the 2025-26 NHL on ESPN/ESPN+/Hulu Schedule, please click this link.
|| Sources ๐: ESPN Press Room ||
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