The NHL finally answered the calls of the fans who wanted better online offerings Tuesday by announcing "a groundbreaking digital media rights partnership" with MLB Advanced Media that will completely transform the way we're able to follow and watch hockey on the Internet.
The deal awards MLBAM the rights to distribute live out-of-market games and operate various other media properties, including the NHL GameCenter subscription service, NHL Network, NHL.com, the league's 30 team websites, all NHL apps and any new products or platforms developed by the two companies.
There's a lot to unpack in the deal, which will bring a significant influx of cash to the NHL, but it also appears to be undeniably good news for fans.