Elliotte Friedman is one of hockey’s best-known journalists. For decades he has broken news, explained complex trade talks, and offered calm, inside perspective on the NHL
Fans hear him on Sportsnet, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, and on his weekly podcast 32 Thoughts. He is respected for accuracy, restraint, and the willingness to say when there is still uncertainty.
This article gives a complete look at Friedman’s life and career. You will get his basic bio, career timeline, a quick stats table and answers to common questions.
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Table of Contents
Early life and education of Elliotte Friedman
Elliotte Friedman was born and raised in Toronto. He developed an early interest in hockey and sports writing.
While at the University of Western Ontario he worked for the student paper, where he rose to sports editor and later editor-in-chief during the early 1990s.
That student newsroom experience set the foundation for a long career in sports media.1
How Friedman built his reputation
Elliotte Friedman’s path is a classic journalism growth story. He started in radio, moved into print, and then became a multimedia presence.
1994–2000: Early radio and local coverage
Friedman began at Toronto’s Fan 590 in 1994. He did play-by-play and reporting on local teams and built a reputation as a reliable reporter who could explain complex roster moves simply.
2000s: Print, The Score, and CBC
After early radio success Friedman freelanced and worked for outlets including The Score. In 2003 he joined CBC Sports and became a regular on Hockey Night in Canada. He covered major events including Stanley Cups and multiple Olympic Games. His work at CBC broadened his exposure and credibility.2
Marie-Philip Poulin — who will be playing in her fifth Olympics (three Gold, one Silver) — parried a question about these being her Final Games, saying she’s not thinking about that
The para, women’s and men’s hopefuls are in Calgary for a few days.
The goal: win three Golds.…
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 27, 2025
2014 onward: Sportsnet and ‘insider’ role
When Rogers acquired national NHL rights in Canada, Friedman joined Sportsnet in 2014 to continue his NHL coverage. He became known as an insider who could combine reporting with context. He also launched the 32 Thoughts brand, which became a popular weekly podcast and column format.3
Today: multiplatform presence
Friedman appears regularly on television, radio, social media, and podcasts. He hosts 32 Thoughts: The Podcast and contributes columns and features for Sportsnet. He also appears on CBC broadcasts of Hockey Night in Canada as part of the rotating panel.
Why fans listen to Elliotte Friedman
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Accuracy over flash. Friedman prefers verified facts to hot takes. That earns trust with readers and viewers.
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Long-term relationships inside hockey. He has sources across teams, front offices, and player circles.
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Clear explanations. He breaks down cap mechanics, trade logic, and media rights issues in plain language.
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Consistency. He has covered nearly every major NHL event for decades, which gives context to his analysis.
Notable career moments
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Olympic coverage and multi-sport work. Friedman has worked multiple Olympic Games and has filled diverse broadcast roles beyond hockey.
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Long-running column and podcast brand. His 32 Thoughts column and podcast have become must-listen content for NHL followers.
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High-profile scoops and steady analysis. Over the years he has been the source for many trade and contract stories, while maintaining a reputation for careful confirmation.
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Public profile and social media
Friedman uses social platforms to share updates and interact with fans. His X handle is @FriedgeHNIC. He posts links to columns, appearances, and interviews, and occasionally personal notes.
If you follow hockey, his X feed is a quick way to see what he is covering that day.
Personal life
Friedman is married to Steph Friedman. Public posts and profiles show the couple celebrates their anniversary on September 3.
Steph has an active social presence where she shares food and lifestyle content. The couple tends to keep their private life away from tabloids, so public information is limited to occasional social posts and anniversary notes.
Net worth and earnings
Net worth estimates for media personalities vary widely because true earnings are private. For Elliotte Friedman:
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Sportskeeda estimated his net worth around $1.5 million as of early 2024. That estimate likely factors in salary plus years of earnings and brand value. 4
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Other aggregator sites and smaller outlets sometimes report lower figures, around $500,000, based on different assumptions about income and assets.
Bottom line: public estimates range roughly from $0.5M to $1.5M. Those numbers are ballpark figures and should be treated as approximations not official financial disclosures.
Stats table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elliotte Friedman |
| Birthdate | September 27, 1970. Age 54 (as of Aug 28, 2025). |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada. |
| Education | University of Western Ontario (student paper editor). |
| Early career | Fan 590 radio, freelance print, The Score. |
| Major employers | Sportsnet, Hockey Night in Canada, NHL Network. |
| Notable work | 32 Thoughts column & 32 Thoughts podcast. |
| Spouse | Steph Friedman (married Sept 3, 2009). |
| Social handle | X: @FriedgeHNIC. |
| Public net worth estimates | ~$0.5M–$1.5M (public estimates vary). |
The 32 Thoughts brand, podcast and columns
32 Thoughts began as a column and morphed into a podcast that Friedman co-hosts. The format mixes news, interviews, and context.
Fans appreciate it because the show goes beyond a single team or rumor and often pulls in a wider NHL narrative.
The podcast is hosted on Sportsnet’s platform and available wherever you get podcasts.
Recent activity and why he still matters
Friedman remains active in 2024 and 2025, regularly commenting on trades, contracts, and league-wide issues. He is often cited when major contract negotiations or coaching changes surface.
His role as a steady insider helps separate confirmed moves from speculation. Recent coverage includes commentary on high-profile contract talks and team decisions. 5
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FAQ
Q: How old is Elliotte Friedman?
A: He was born September 27, 1970, so he is 54 as of August 28, 2025.
Q: Who is his wife?
A: He is married to Steph Friedman. Public posts mark their wedding anniversary on September 3, 2009.
Q: What networks does he work for?
A: Friedman is a Sportsnet insider and also appears on Hockey Night in Canada and NHL Network.
Q: Does he have a podcast?
A: Yes, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast is his weekly podcast with deep dives into NHL topics. It’s hosted on Sportsnet and available on podcast platforms.6
Q: What is his net worth?
A: Public estimates vary. Some outlets estimate about $1.5M while others estimate about $0.5M. These are approximations, not verified disclosures.
Q: Is he on social media?
A: Yes. His X handle is @FriedgeHNIC. He posts commentary and links to his work.
Closing
Elliotte Friedman built his reputation by being precise, patient, and well sourced. He is a steady voice in hockey media and a go-to insider when teams make big moves.
Whether you follow him for scoops, analysis, or the 32 Thoughts podcast, his work is a useful reference for fans who prefer nuance over noise.
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