Kevin Sawyer is the latest voice to join the Calgary Flames’ broadcast setup, with Sportsnet and the Flames announcing he will serve as the team’s new game analyst and colour commentator for regional broadcasts in 2026-27.
Sawyer will work alongside host Brendan Parker and play-by-play announcer Jon Abbott during the Scotiabank Saddledome Farewell Season. The club is leaning on a broadcaster who brings both NHL playing experience and a long run behind the mic.
Before moving into television, Sawyer played 110 NHL games across six seasons with the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes and Anaheim Ducks. He then spent nearly 10 years as a game analyst for Winnipeg Jets regional broadcasts.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin and his family to Calgary,” said Robert Hayes, President and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. “Kevin’s experience, insight and passion for the game will be a great addition to the Sportsnet broadcast team, and we couldn’t think of a better season to welcome him. There will be no shortage of stories to tell as we celebrate the Farewell Season at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and we look forward to Kevin joining Jon and Brendan in the booth to capture the moments and memories that will make this season so special for Flames fans.”
Sportsnet will again carry Calgary’s regional and national broadcasts throughout the Farewell Season. The Flames begin the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 1 against the Seattle Kraken at the Scotiabank Saddledome, then meet the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, Oct. 3 in the debut of Sportsnet’s national Saturday Night Hockey coverage.
Sportsnet says it is preparing its largest hockey slate yet, with more than 550 games on the national schedule and 150 regional blackouts lifted.
Sawyer’s first Flames broadcast will come on Thursday, Oct. 1, when he calls the season opener against Seattle.
In Other News...
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Flames Young Talent Could Soon Face A Real Roster Squeeze
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Simon Nemec does not really fit that conversation in the same way as the others, since the organization views him as a core defensive prospect it would not be looking to waive. For the rest of the group, the issue is less about talent than timing, NHL experience and how much room the Flames have when the roster starts to tighten, with Benning among the players most likely to get caught in that squeeze. [Read more 🡒]
