Hockey Night in Canada issued good news about a broadcasting legend before tonight's Kings-Hawks game, as the National Post's Sean Fitz-Gerald notes:

One of the most famous, polarizing and experienced voices in Canadian sports will return for at least one more hockey season, with Ron MacLean announcing play-by-play veteran Bob Cole will be back behind the microphone with Hockey Night in Canada.

The issue had been in doubt since the CBC lost all rights to the NHL late last year, when Rogers Communications Inc. reshaped the broadcast landscape with a 12-year deal worth $5.2-billion. The public broadcaster has a four-year sublicense to carry NHL games, but has surrendered all editorial control.

Cole did not immediately address the news. He was calling Game 7 of the Western Conference final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night. Terms were not made clear, with MacLean making the announcement moments before the game.

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