via Sports Media Watch,

ESPN has edited a column by SportsCenter anchor and hockey writer John Buccigross to no longer include a reference to a potential reunion between the network and the National Hockey League.

Buccigross, writing the season debut of his weekly hockey column, speculated that ESPN would gain the rights to air National Hockey League games for the first time since 2004.

“NHL players want it, the NHL wants it and ESPN wants it,” Buccigross wrote, “NBC and Versus somewhat holds the cards however, so we will have to wait and see; but my guess is yes. ESPN will have a piece of the pie.”

thanks to a KK member for the pointer…

added 10:13am, via William Houston of the Globe and Mail,

If something is close between the NHL and ESPN (with consent from Versus), it’s perhaps understandable that ESPN would keep a lid on speculation from within.

It’s not good journalism, but it might be good for business.