From William Houston at the Globe & Mail:

A new TSN-NHL national television agreement has been delayed, leading to speculation that something has gone wrong.

It hasn’t. The deal is done, but for some minor paperwork, according to sources, and is likely to be announced next month. It will be a long-term deal, six years in length, starting next season and extending through 2013-14.

TSN will receive more games involving Canadian teams, most important of which will be extra games featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs, a leading audience producer among the six Canadian NHL clubs.

And there’s lots more on Canadian coverage in Houston’s column, including Pierre McGuire’s new deal with TSN (also 6 years—a “monster” deal), plus the fact that Canadians apparently enjoyed seeing the Habs instead of the Leafs last Saturday night on CBC’s HNIC, to the tune of above-average ratings. (I know I was grateful for the change…)

Houston also mentions that ESPN Classic Canada will be airing a 12-hour tribute to the recently-deceased Don Wittman this coming Saturday, showcasing his work on CBC Sports spanning five decades.