McGuire to NBC Official

Pierre McGuire has confirmed himself in the Montreal Gazette that he will be exclusively working for NBC and Versus starting next season. Pierre cites the chance to work the Olympics for the next 10 years and the chance to spend more time with his family as the two main reasons for his decision to leave TSN. He will work two games a week for NBC or Versus and spend one night in the Versus studio. Late this past season he worked 1-2 games a week for NBC/Versus and 2 more for TSN. Pierre will also move to Connecticut, near the Versus studios in Stamford. Previously he had been living in Montreal. He will continue to appear on Bell-owned radio stations and could make special appearances on TSN. These would probably include the NHL Draft and Free Agent Frenzy, both of which are simulcast by Versus/NHL Network in the US.

I expect an official announcement from NBC Sports Group tomorrow. Until then, here is a quote from McGuire

I’ve enjoyed my time with both networks and I’m grateful for the opportunities TSN and NBC have provided for me. Concentrating my efforts on the NBC and Versus gives me more family time and there are some interesting professional opportunities.

UPDATE: Bruce Dowbiggin, of The Globe & Mail, says that the Gazette report is incorrect. Using the tried and tested formula of if Dowbiggin says it, go with the opposite, it looks like McGuire is headed for NBC.

In all seriousness, Dowbiggin seems very certain that the Gazette report is incorrect. He Bruce is wrong on this one, then it won’t look very good on The Globe.