Huge news regarding everyone's favourite Leafs colour commentators, Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph
Since 1982, Joe Bowen has called Leafs games on the radio and/or television and has worked side-by-side with Jim Ralph for more than 20 years. Following the Leafs' Game 5 loss to Florida, many were concerned that neither would be returning as Bowen ended the broadcast by saying "if this is the end, it has been wonderful...thank you all."
The notion was due to their contract with MLSE and Sportsnet ending at the time and they were unsure if a new one would be worked out as MLSE had discussed moving towards a simulcast for the upcoming season. However, there is good news for Leaf fans, as Ralph and Bowen are currently working out a new deal with MLSE, Sportsnet and TSN to have them return for the upcoming season at the very least. According to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, nothing has been finalized, but they are working things out.
For years, Leaf fans have been clamoring to have Bowen return to television broadcasts, and while that is highly unlikely, it seems like we will get at least one more season of HOLY MACKINAW's and enthusiastic reactions from Bowen, followed by a more subtle analysis of plays by Ralph on the radio.
