ESPN reached a seven-year deal to become one of the NHL's broadcast partners, reports Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

The agreement is expected to give ESPN rights to broadcast four Stanley Cup Finals between 2022-28, along with streaming capabilities for Disney, Johnston adds.

The deal's financial details aren't known. It's also unclear which other media company will be involved with ESPN in the venture.

NBC currently pays $200 million per year for NHL broadcast rights that expire at the end of the 2021 season.

ESPN hasn't aired NHL games since before the 2004-05 lockout, but it was involved in broadcasting the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

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