Elliotte Friedman addresses Jeff Marek’s firing on first episode of 32 Thoughts with new co-host

Earlier this summer, fans found out that Sportsnet unceremoniously dumped long-time host and analyst Jeff Marek after it was reported that former host had leaked information of players from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Marek has yet to surface elsewhere in hockey media, but he did share a message earlier this offseason confirming that he’s no longer with Sportsnet and that he’s pursuing new opportunities.

Ahead of the 2024-25 season however, co-host Elliotte Friedman needs to get back on the mic and get the 32 Thoughts podcast going again. That’s why on Thursday, it was confirmed by Sportsnet that in-arena host Kyle Bukauskas will take over Marek’s role with the podcast.

On Friday morning, the pair held the first new edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast and Friedman took some of its time to speak candidly about the Marek and their time on the show, though he did not really delve into much details of his firing from Rogers.

“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.”

Friedman added that he was offered to quite the podcast by Sportsnet once Marek was let go, but he decided to continue, initially with one solo episode in mid-August before being joined by Bukauskas.

“I’m going to take that gut punch and continue going in spite of it… one of the major reasons I wanted to continue the pod is because I love it. I love doing this podcast. I love everything about it,” Friedman continued. “But number two, it’s because I believe in a lot of things… I believe in the audience. I have never taken the audience for granted. We are very, very lucky that we have a loyal audience.”

On the first episode by the new pair of co-hosts on Friday, the show was packed with a deep dive into every team’s offseason. It also included thoughts on the vigils and tributes for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, as well as a look on a Sidney Crosby extension in Pittsburgh and what could be next for Mitch Marner in Toronto.