BluesDom wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:03 pm
20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.
Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.
The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over
Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.
I got news for you it doesn't.
I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.
Do me a favor, follow your own advice
I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?
Look in the mirror sis..
Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.
A lot of folks on this board don't get FanDuel on their cable package ... and most don't have a streaming subscription to FanDuel ... but they still watch Blues hockey. They do so through various streaming options - all of which are well known. So you don't get the home team announcing team anyway. This is, coincidentally, what young viewers are doing. It is why cable is dying and being replaced by streaming.
And don't forget that this team missed the playoffs the last two years and hasn't been 3 rounds deep since winning the Cup in 2019. Of course Covid had a lot to do with this, but revenues are down, so if you want to spend to the cap - as the Blues have done - you have to cut somewhere.
JK, Alexa and Jamie aren't the only ones who were cut. Others in the org / marketing group, were cut too.
bud white wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 16:56 pm
Let's be transparent here ...
A lot of folks on this board don't get FanDuel on their cable package ... and most don't have a streaming subscription to FanDuel ... but they still watch Blues hockey. They do so through various streaming options - all of which are well known. So you don't get the home team announcing team anyway. This is, coincidentally, what young viewers are doing. It is why cable is dying and being replaced by streaming.
And don't forget that this team missed the playoffs the last two years and hasn't been 3 rounds deep since winning the Cup in 2019. Of course Covid had a lot to do with this, but revenues are down, so if you want to spend to the cap - as the Blues have done - you have to cut somewhere.
JK, Alexa and Jamie aren't the only ones who were cut. Others in the org / marketing group, were cut too.
Well if young males can't connect with Alexa I'm glad I grew up when I did.
Good grief.
But you make good points.....Alexa aside, and yes i liked her, there's really just one person for me they blew it on.
callitwhatyouwant wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:34 pm
The chances this was a stillman decision is pretty low. If he had any say in it, I’d venture to guess it was minuscule and if he could see how the new product is going.
No offense to the rage baiters here but if this is how you live your life, you must not trust anyone/ are unhappy all the time. Stillman and Co have done more than enough to show they are St. Louis first. One “bad” misstep isn’t enough to lose respect for the guy. Now if it became a pattern that’s a different story. But history shows that they have been a pretty good ownership group.
The Blues have already acknowledged it was a joint decision. Kilkorn on 101 this morning about guaranteed this was more Blues than Fan Duel.
Stillman is the Blues. There's no friggen way this went forward around his desk.
I'm hardly a rage baiter not sure how you draw a conclusion like that. Is it ok to call them out on a horse sh11t move?
And I've asked the board in general 3 times.....please explain the huge cost savings choosing Kerber over Kelly.
That's my fault. I didn't see or hear anything but haven't been listening to 101 today about how much of it was from the Blues end. I too am not happy about it. I loved JK and Panger. JK is a class act. And this is totally my opinion because I haven't seen an official statement of why but I do believe the reason behind the move is that Kirbs and Joey are much more dynamic in terms of what they offer the fan base connecting with interviews, instagram, etc.. They are probably looking at it from a perspective that they want those guys to be the representatives of the Blues. That is what the commentary positions are for. They are the fans closest connection to the team. JK is about as good as it gets as a play by play guy. Just so happens that Kirbs is also extremely good. But JK starts and stops when the puck drops and the final whistle goes. He doesn't really add much more. And in today's society, kids have about 30 seconds to grab their attention. I'm assuming that's their perspective on things. They aren't really losing much in terms of talent, while also hoping to get more in other ways. Again no excuse to not give the guy his swan song.
Well said........but having grown up with Buck and Carey and Shannon and Kyle and Wilson and Kelly ......it's just impossible for me to relate to "fans" that could take or leave the people that are bringing them the game.
I am an old guy now so I sound like it......but I wasn't always old and I cared about those people each and every year I listened and watched and they mean something to me as they did their jobs so dam well and provided a connection that is dam hard to find today.
I hope to let this go soon on this board........but I will never let this go as one of the Blues worst PR cheap moves.
callitwhatyouwant wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:34 pm
The chances this was a stillman decision is pretty low. If he had any say in it, I’d venture to guess it was minuscule and if he could see how the new product is going.
No offense to the rage baiters here but if this is how you live your life, you must not trust anyone/ are unhappy all the time. Stillman and Co have done more than enough to show they are St. Louis first. One “bad” misstep isn’t enough to lose respect for the guy. Now if it became a pattern that’s a different story. But history shows that they have been a pretty good ownership group.
The Blues have already acknowledged it was a joint decision. Kilkorn on 101 this morning about guaranteed this was more Blues than Fan Duel.
Stillman is the Blues. There's no friggen way this went forward around his desk.
I'm hardly a rage baiter not sure how you draw a conclusion like that. Is it ok to call them out on a horse sh11t move?
And I've asked the board in general 3 times.....please explain the huge cost savings choosing Kerber over Kelly.
I’d imagine the savings would come in due to in the past you had Kerbs on the radio side and Kelly on tv. Now it’s just Kerbs so you’re eliminating an entire salary. I don’t know what JK was making but I’m sure it wasn’t peanuts
Everyone talking about the huge savings...this is business....
I get the cheap move to simulcast and the savings associated.
So what's the huge savings choosing Kerbeer to sit behind the mike instead Kelly?
THAT'S the huge savings of a billion dollar enterprise? 100k? or 200k? And you lose the biggest non playing name brand you have.
I don’t know any of the specifics, just trying to answer your question. You were paying Kerbs anyway, he’s just doing both now.
Another question would be why not keep Kelly and simulcast the tv broadcast over the radio? I’m sure there’s logistics with that, plus as has been mentioned, Kerber is under contract and Kelly wasn’t anymore.
This isn’t just a Blues thing, I’ve read a handful of other teams are following the same model
I mean "the model" is one thing. It's a cheap move and will likely be copied more and more going forward with only a few franchises paying the price for how it should really be done. I say good for them.
If Kerber was still on contract and Kelly was up that's a valid point but again.....we are talking about a 1 billion dollar franchise. Good grief. Find another way and have some class.
They got what they wanted....the "BIG" savings dumping their 20 year plus guy son of the the other 20 plus year guy since 1968.
Hope they are really happy about the big move to avoid paying him for sake of people who have no idea what I'm talking about.
Something to note: before this change, Chris Kerber had a executive title of Vice President of Broadcast. Now, he's no longer listed in the Executive section. Only listed in the broadcasters section.
Probably doesn't mean much, but I think Kerber had good pull within the organization as far as broadcasts are concern and hiring talent. Pretty sure he recommended Vitale when he replaced Chaser.
John Cocktoastin wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:20 pm
Although I don't like the move and believe this cheapens the product he's trying to market immensely, he's a businessman. Pure and simple. Spreadsheets, accountants and bottom lines rule. Long term relationships and good faith do not.
Sucks. But, reality.
Pang was here several years and he left. Why? Due to uncertainty with Bally’s. John Kelly left here after his first stint. If the broadcaster does it, it’s fine but if the team does it it’s heresy??
Yep the Blues and Bally's were negotiating with Panger, but he went to Chicago since it was owned by Comcast so there was a lot more certainty there, and more money.
News that the Blackhawks have hired former Blues analyst Darren Pang is a “bittersweet development” for Pang, who is “moving into a much more stable situation -- and what he acknowledged is a salary that is substantially better than what he was offered to stay,” according to Dan Caesar of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Pang was “employed in St. Louis by Bally Sports Midwest.” But in his new job, Pang will “work for the team.” Blackhawks telecasts are “on NBC Sports Chicago, which has no Diamond ties.” Pang said that negotiations with Bally “were slow to begin,” and when he finally did receive an offer it “was for a very minimal raise.” He said he “did go back to them” with a counteroffer. Pang: “Once Chicago got to a certain point and was really serious with an incredible offer, we were now in a bit of a time crunch to either say ‘yes’ to them or let that pass us by and wait for Bally.” Pang said that his experience of having previously worked in a bankruptcy environment “played a role in his decision.” The then-Phoenix Coyotes “were in that plight when he moved to St. Louis.” Pang: “So I was prepared for a slow process and long, drawn out negotiation.” Caesar wrote that situation “might have influenced his latest decision” (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/8).
So we all hate Panger correct?
Apples and Oranges.
Like you said in another thread.."there's a difference".
But how is this different?
Why is it ok for Panger to do what is best for him, but FanDuel is in the wrong for doing what is best for them?
John Cocktoastin wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:20 pm
Although I don't like the move and believe this cheapens the product he's trying to market immensely, he's a businessman. Pure and simple. Spreadsheets, accountants and bottom lines rule. Long term relationships and good faith do not.
Sucks. But, reality.
Pang was here several years and he left. Why? Due to uncertainty with Bally’s. John Kelly left here after his first stint. If the broadcaster does it, it’s fine but if the team does it it’s heresy??
Yep the Blues and Bally's were negotiating with Panger, but he went to Chicago since it was owned by Comcast so there was a lot more certainty there, and more money.
News that the Blackhawks have hired former Blues analyst Darren Pang is a “bittersweet development” for Pang, who is “moving into a much more stable situation -- and what he acknowledged is a salary that is substantially better than what he was offered to stay,” according to Dan Caesar of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Pang was “employed in St. Louis by Bally Sports Midwest.” But in his new job, Pang will “work for the team.” Blackhawks telecasts are “on NBC Sports Chicago, which has no Diamond ties.” Pang said that negotiations with Bally “were slow to begin,” and when he finally did receive an offer it “was for a very minimal raise.” He said he “did go back to them” with a counteroffer. Pang: “Once Chicago got to a certain point and was really serious with an incredible offer, we were now in a bit of a time crunch to either say ‘yes’ to them or let that pass us by and wait for Bally.” Pang said that his experience of having previously worked in a bankruptcy environment “played a role in his decision.” The then-Phoenix Coyotes “were in that plight when he moved to St. Louis.” Pang: “So I was prepared for a slow process and long, drawn out negotiation.” Caesar wrote that situation “might have influenced his latest decision” (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/8).
So we all hate Panger correct?
Apples and Oranges.
Like you said in another thread.."there's a difference".
But how is this different?
Why is it ok for Panger to do what is best for him, but FanDuel is in the wrong for doing what is best for them?
I'll miss Kelly but I enjoy Kerbs as well
If you can't see the obvious in how this isn't even close to being the same then I don't know what to tell you.
tom has been a good owner, his only dealio, is that he's not a billionaire, and actually needs playoff hockey, desperately to pay the bills. He's said so himself. If that's the worst you can say for your owner, your in better shape than 95% of Pro sports owners.
i dont blame him for tv deal, blues have a say in who is their announcer, and can void deals, like they did with Ken Wilson(fsmw gave wilson a new deal, Blues voided it), fanduel also has a right to offer up a plan, to cost cut, so Blues also get their money. had fanduel been in a financial strong position, this probably isnt even on the table.
John Cocktoastin wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:20 pm
Although I don't like the move and believe this cheapens the product he's trying to market immensely, he's a businessman. Pure and simple. Spreadsheets, accountants and bottom lines rule. Long term relationships and good faith do not.
Sucks. But, reality.
Pang was here several years and he left. Why? Due to uncertainty with Bally’s. John Kelly left here after his first stint. If the broadcaster does it, it’s fine but if the team does it it’s heresy??
Yep the Blues and Bally's were negotiating with Panger, but he went to Chicago since it was owned by Comcast so there was a lot more certainty there, and more money.
News that the Blackhawks have hired former Blues analyst Darren Pang is a “bittersweet development” for Pang, who is “moving into a much more stable situation -- and what he acknowledged is a salary that is substantially better than what he was offered to stay,” according to Dan Caesar of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. Pang was “employed in St. Louis by Bally Sports Midwest.” But in his new job, Pang will “work for the team.” Blackhawks telecasts are “on NBC Sports Chicago, which has no Diamond ties.” Pang said that negotiations with Bally “were slow to begin,” and when he finally did receive an offer it “was for a very minimal raise.” He said he “did go back to them” with a counteroffer. Pang: “Once Chicago got to a certain point and was really serious with an incredible offer, we were now in a bit of a time crunch to either say ‘yes’ to them or let that pass us by and wait for Bally.” Pang said that his experience of having previously worked in a bankruptcy environment “played a role in his decision.” The then-Phoenix Coyotes “were in that plight when he moved to St. Louis.” Pang: “So I was prepared for a slow process and long, drawn out negotiation.” Caesar wrote that situation “might have influenced his latest decision” (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 6/8).
So we all hate Panger correct?
Apples and Oranges.
Like you said in another thread.."there's a difference".
But how is this different?
Why is it ok for Panger to do what is best for him, but FanDuel is in the wrong for doing what is best for them?
I'll miss Kelly but I enjoy Kerbs as well
If you can't see the obvious in how this isn't even close to being the same then I don't know what to tell you.
Pangers contract expires, they negotiate with him, he wants more money and is one of the main reasons he left.
Kelly's contract expires, FanDuel just saved Bally's from bankruptcy, isn't flush with billions in cash and cut expenses to keep things afloat.
FaanDuel is a sports-wagering operation, which just happens to own various regional sports networks. Their focus is on getting people to bet on sporting events. Other functions are just fluff. This was primarily a cost-cutting move by FanDuel management. The Blues might have had input, but only a limited amount. Looking for a smoking gun in the Blues' office is a fool's errand.
BluesDom wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:03 pm
20 years on his job. More fan duel than the Blues. TV is not the same as it was. Currently a lot less money. It makes sense if we were privy to the talks and the dollars. Why second guess? Why act like you know something--we know nothing. In a different time JK would never be let go. Unique times.
Exactly. This does not change who Stillman is at all. He is a great owner if you ask me.
The torch and pitchfork crowd has to have something to fret over
Like your opinion means more than anyone else's.
I got news for you it doesn't.
I bet it does if I post 100x per day on the subject and b**** and moan like a schoolgirl.
Do me a favor, follow your own advice
I've made three-four posts about it how many have you made defending it?
Look in the mirror sis..
Not defending it at all “sis”. More amusement at all the pearl clutching over the issue.
One is a commercial spokesperson who does play-by-play. The other is a professional broadcaster. Guess which one brings in more revenue? Get the picture,
For all of you claiming this was a Fan Duel doing for cost cutting or whatever 101 morning crew this morning were stating this was 100% a move by the Blues.
callitwhatyouwant wrote: ↑17 Jul 2025 12:34 pm
The chances this was a stillman decision is pretty low. If he had any say in it, I’d venture to guess it was minuscule and if he could see how the new product is going.
No offense to the rage baiters here but if this is how you live your life, you must not trust anyone/ are unhappy all the time. Stillman and Co have done more than enough to show they are St. Louis first. One “bad” misstep isn’t enough to lose respect for the guy. Now if it became a pattern that’s a different story. But history shows that they have been a pretty good ownership group.
The Blues have already acknowledged it was a joint decision. Kilkorn on 101 this morning about guaranteed this was more Blues than Fan Duel.
Stillman is the Blues. There's no friggen way this went forward around his desk.
I'm hardly a rage baiter not sure how you draw a conclusion like that. Is it ok to call them out on a horse sh11t move?
And I've asked the board in general 3 times.....please explain the huge cost savings choosing Kerber over Kelly.
That's my fault. I didn't see or hear anything but haven't been listening to 101 today about how much of it was from the Blues end. I too am not happy about it. I loved JK and Panger. JK is a class act. And this is totally my opinion because I haven't seen an official statement of why but I do believe the reason behind the move is that Kirbs and Joey are much more dynamic in terms of what they offer the fan base connecting with interviews, instagram, etc.. They are probably looking at it from a perspective that they want those guys to be the representatives of the Blues. That is what the commentary positions are for. They are the fans closest connection to the team. JK is about as good as it gets as a play by play guy. Just so happens that Kirbs is also extremely good. But JK starts and stops when the puck drops and the final whistle goes. He doesn't really add much more. And in today's society, kids have about 30 seconds to grab their attention. I'm assuming that's their perspective on things. They aren't really losing much in terms of talent, while also hoping to get more in other ways. Again no excuse to not give the guy his swan song.
Well said........but having grown up with Buck and Carey and Shannon and Kyle and Wilson and Kelly ......it's just impossible for me to relate to "fans" that could take or leave the people that are bringing them the game.
I am an old guy now so I sound like it......but I wasn't always old and I cared about those people each and every year I listened and watched and they mean something to me as they did their jobs so dam well and provided a connection that is dam hard to find today.
I hope to let this go soon on this board........but I will never let this go as one of the Blues worst PR cheap moves.
Very disappointed.
I'm with you on this but yes we are old. I grew up in a time where in my early youth there was typically one family radio and one TV. Later, as an older gradeschool kid I had a transistor radio which went everywhere with me. Top-40, KMOX, that's all I listened to. Sports whenever there was a game or talk show on. Guys like Harry Caray, Jack Buck, Dan Kelly were a much more important influence in our lives then, today the typical young person is all over gaming, social media, podcasts, whatever, stuff we did not have. Gaming for me was playing wiffle ball in the back lot, or Monopoly/Risk and later Strat on a rainy day. On any typical day of any season I was outside virtually every possible minute. Nothing changed until I went off to college. Sports radio broadcasters were primary influencers in my life, today they have virtually no influence.
dhsux wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025 09:27 am
For all of you claiming this was a Fan Duel doing for cost cutting or whatever 101 morning crew this morning were stating this was 100% a move by the Blues.
It can't be 100% a move by the Blues because the Blues don't own the broadcast fan duel does.
Fan Duel, like Bally's, contracts the on air talent.
