Sportsnet 590 has cancelled its long-running post-game radio show Leafs Talk ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, according to an announcement on X by co-host JD Bunkis on Sept. 29, 2026.
Sportsnet 590 Cancels Leafs Talk for 2026-27 Season
The decision to pull the plug on Leafs Talk was confirmed by Bunkis on X in response to a listener asking about the program ahead of the Maple Leafs’ season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. “Hey bud, Leafs Talk won’t be returning this year, but want to thank you and everyone for all the love and support,” Bunkis posted on the platform.
Bunkis and co-host Sam McKee will continue working together on Bunkis’s independent show. The cancellation leaves a gap in terrestrial radio options for fans seeking immediate post-game analysis, contrasting with the continued broadcast of Jays Talk hosted by Kevin Barker and Jeff Blair following the Blue Jays’ 2026 MLB regular season.
Broadcasting Industry and Reduced Audio Outlets
The removal of the post-game hockey show follows a steady erosion of sports radio offerings by Rogers across Toronto and Canada. Stations in Calgary and Vancouver previously lost all-sports radio programming when Rogers shuttered those outlets entirely.
Fans looking for post-game audio reaction on Sportsnet 590 after Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to Montreal found the station immediately transitioning to live coverage of the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks game rather than hosting a dedicated call-in show.
Industry Reaction to the Radio Cut
Veteran hockey broadcaster Jackie Redmond posted on X that Leafs Talk was part of her routine and praised the work of Bunkis and McKee.
“This is genuinely sooooo disappointing to me,” Redmond wrote on X. “Leafs Talk was routine for me. JD and Sammy did such a good job. One game in, already miss it.”
While the post-game call-in format has been eliminated, Sportsnet 590 will retain game-day coverage for the 42 Maple Leafs games airing on Sportsnet, featuring pre-game, intermission, and post-game segments hosted by Justin Cuthbert and John Matisz.
Reasons for cancelling Leafs Talk and future broadcast plans
Why did Sportsnet cancel Leafs Talk?
Rogers has not officially stated the specific reason for cancelling Leafs Talk ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, though the move aligns with a broader reduction of original sports radio programming by the network.
Where can I listen to JD Bunkis and Sam McKee now?
JD Bunkis announced on X that he and Sam McKee will continue hosting together on Bunkis’s personal show.
Will Sportsnet still broadcast Maple Leafs games on the radio?
Yes. Sportsnet 590 will continue to broadcast pre-game, intermission, and post-game elements for the 42 Maple Leafs games airing on Sportsnet, hosted by Justin Cuthbert and John Matisz.
Is Jays Talk also cancelled?
No. Sportsnet continued broadcasting Jays Talk hosted by Kevin Barker and Jeff Blair throughout the recently completed 2026 MLB regular season.
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