The Edmonton Oilers media landscape took a big hit on Tuesday night.

After joining the Oilers beat in 2018, Daniel Nugent-Bowman announced that he no longer works for The Athletic. He broke the news on social media, but no specific reason for his exit was given.

DNB has long been a fixture in the Oilers media, garnering a following of over 19,000 on X. He was among the most respected reporters on the beat up until this point. Though it’s shocking to see him leave The Athletic, he did tease that he was excited about what’s to come.

“I no longer work for The Athletic,” Nugent-Bowman wrote. “I want to thank my colleagues and readers from throughout my seven-plus years there.

“Looking forward to the next chapter of my career.”

I no longer work for The Athletic.

I want to thank my colleagues and readers from throughout my seven-plus years there.

Looking forward to the next chapter of my career.

— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) January 21, 2026

The announcement caused an outpouring of support from both Oilers fans and the sports media landscape. Most of the responses focused on how sad people were to see such a talented writer seemingly leave, but also excitement for what’s next for Nugent-Bowman.

Many of the responses came from his colleagues at The Athletic.

“DNB, loss of words. Thanks for every phone call, text, slack and help when we collaborated. But more importantly, thanks for your friendship, which will continue,” wrote The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford.

You’ve been a stellar teammate and we’re gonna miss you, big-time, DNB.

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) January 21, 2026

“You’re an all-time great teammate, DNB. I’m sure you will excel at whatever comes next,” added The Athletic’s Murat Ates.

Oh what the hell man.

You’re great at what you do and can’t wait to start reading you again.

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) January 21, 2026

You did a great job for a long time. Hope your next chapter is a great one

— Arch (@Archaeologuy) January 21, 2026

“Loved and greatly appreciated your work, Daniel, wishing you all the best and look forward to hearing about your next endeavour,” said one Oilers fan.

This wouldn’t be the first time that a major sports media figure has either left or been laid off in Alberta this year. Back in November, Salim Valji, a longtime Calgary Flames TSN reporter, was among those laid off by Bell Media.

It remains to be seen whether or not The Athletic opts to hire a writer to replace the large void left in Edmonton by Nugent-Bowman’s departure.