RDS Secures Long-Term Deal as Canadiens’ French Broadcaster

The French-language broadcaster RDS has confirmed it will continue as the official broadcaster for the Montreal Canadiens for several years. This announcement comes ahead of the 2025-2026 NHL season, which will feature a total of 84 games per team. In a notable change, RDS will air 45 Canadiens games, a reduction from the previous 60 games it had broadcasted.

Broadcasting Landscape for Canadiens Games

In contrast, TSN will showcase 50 games involving the Canadiens. The reason for the five-game discrepancy between the two networks has not been fully clarified. However, it is likely that some of these games may be offered on alternate platforms. Canadiens owner Geoff Molson has indicated that “the vast majority” of games will still be available on cable services.

As it stands, 39 additional games, of which at least 34 are expected to be national rights games, remain unsold. This opens the door for potential acquisitions by networks such as TVA Sports and streaming platforms like Amazon.

The recent partnership announcement between RDS, TSN, and the Montreal Canadiens ensures that fans will have continued access to regional broadcasts, maintaining the long-standing relationship among these entities. The implications of this deal could significantly influence viewer engagement as the NHL season progresses.

Future Considerations for RDS and Canadiens Broadcasts

As the season approaches, questions remain regarding the future of the broadcasting team involved in Canadiens games on RDS. Reports suggest potential changes to the personnel, but no specifics have been released about who will be returning for the 2026-2027 season.

In other NHL news, Jonathan Drouin of the New York Islanders has been suspended for one game due to a cross-checking incident involving Connor Dewar of the Pittsburgh Penguins. This suspension highlights the ongoing disciplinary actions within the league.

For more updates on the Canadiens and the NHL, fans are encouraged to follow official announcements and reports from reputable sources.

As the broadcasting landscape evolves, the commitment of RDS to the Canadiens reinforces the importance of regional sports broadcasts in keeping fans connected to their teams.