It's more then clear that Lowe and Katz lobbied Sportsnet hard back when, to be a "partner" and help push McDavid as the next Gretzky and a player all of Canada should get behind...otherwise he might leave and then SNet has no stars to market, especially with the Leafs and Habs on TSN regional deals.
It has worked, stating with putting national panel guy John Shannon on regional broadcast oaneltd, etc etc. It's clearly still the case, promoting the very talented player for a Canadian team. Cuddle up to said SNet members like McLean and Friedman and invite them to Oilers golf tourneys, give them scoops etc etc to win their attention.
That's what Zadorov was not talking about; McDavid isn't being protected by the league as much as he as an investment by SNet, who can direct the narrative on broadcasts, panels during intermissions, and Sportsnet Central, where 90% of fans get their info and opinion on things.
|