ESPN is shifting Emily Kaplan’s responsibilities for its NHL coverage, moving the longtime reporter toward a studio-focused insider role while scaling back her sideline work, according to a report by Front Office Sports.
Kaplan, who joined ESPN in 2017 after covering the NFL for Sports Illustrated’s MMQB, will still be onsite for major events, including NHL opening night on October 7.
However, she will increasingly operate in a capacity similar to league insiders Adam Schefter, Shams Charania, and Jeff Passan, delivering news, analysis, and breaking information for ESPN’s studio programming.
“This season we are positioning Emily to be our primary NHL insider,” ESPN said in a statement to Front Office Sports. “She will appear more regularly across ESPN NHL studio coverage and news and information shows. While continuing her in-game reporting for select marquee matchups. Including our opening night game with the Florida Panthers raising their championship banner and hosting the Blackhawks.”
Throughout her tenure at ESPN, Kaplan has established herself as a versatile reporter capable of balancing on-site reporting with in-depth analysis. Her coverage of playoff series, player developments, and team dynamics has earned recognition from both viewers and colleagues. Positioning her to succeed in a role that demands real-time reporting and contextual expertise.
In a feature piece with Barrett Media in 2023, Kaplan expounded on how she aims to always be better in her role with ESPN. She pointed to moments throughout the year where she meets with executives about her performance and how she can improve. But through it all she makes sure she remains objective and committed to reporting the facts.
“ESPN is a news-gathering organization, and we have a news desk that, to me, [is] sacred,” Kaplan said in 2023 to Barrett Media. “What they say is true because what we present to the fans is really important. Because I have a journalistic background, I’m constantly double-checking [and] making sure I feel super sound about my information.”
Kaplan’s move reflects a broader trend in sports media. Where reporters with deep league knowledge are increasingly being tasked with synthesizing breaking news for national audiences rather than focusing exclusively on live-game coverage. Kaplan’s transition is expected to amplify ESPN’s studio coverage and provide more consistent insider perspective during its NHL programming.
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