Watching an NHL game this season may be more complicated than you think

It has never been more complicated or more expensive to watch hockey than it is right now. And yet, as the puck drops on this NHL season, the broadcasting rights landscape in Canada is bracing for much more dramatic changes. 

And experts warn whatever changes come, they won't make it easier on fans trying to watch hockey.

"I think we're headed for an era of greater complication," says Cary Kaplan, founder and president of Cosmos Sports.

Since 2013, Rogers Communications has held the exclusive rights to broadcast national hockey games in Canada. It paid a staggering $5.2 billion in a deal that shocked the hockey world.

But having a singular rights holder didn't mean it was suddenly easier for fans to watch their favourite teams.

Now, to watch NHL games this season, you will need to subscribe to Sportsnet, TSN, TVA and Amazon Prime.

Depending on the night, the games will air on one of those streaming services — and fans will have to check local listings to see where their favourite team is playing on any given night.

Amazon inked a deal with Rogers in the spring that will see the online giant stream regular-season games on Monday Night Hockey. That deal was heralded by Rogers, Amazon and the NHL as an important way to reach new audiences.

Lights, camera, Prime.