John Kelly out

[Big_G]

Good Lord, terrible move.

[somni]

Bummer. I don't mind Kerbs, but Kelly is top notch.

Didn't they do the simulcast back in the '80s? To me, the rhythm of radio vs TV is different. Radio needs to be more descriptive which can be distracting when you're watching a game.

[sdaltons]

Wow WTF

[Walter Sobchak00]

Mid market team having to cut $$$ somewhere in order to spend to the cap on the hockey side.

They need a billionaire to buy a big piece of the team.

Stillman is not a rich guy. He has rich friends, but they dont pay the bills, he does. Gotta get STLFCCity Owner more involved in the money front. She has billions with a B, not tens of Millions like Tom

There are two more billionaires that own a piece of the team as well.

[BalotelliMassive]

Wow!!!!!

Terrible move!

[2forDiving]

I think most of these moves are related to the fallout from the Fox Sports/RSN fiasco. I believe Kelly and Rivers were paid by Fan Duel not the Blues.

[hotrivets]

Sausagefest! Hope the radio guys up their game a little. Wonder what other changes are coming?

[netboy65]

Mid market team having to cut $$$ somewhere in order to spend to the cap on the hockey side.

I’m sure it was a FanDuel decision that has nothing to do with the team

[Section315]

Bummer. I don't mind Kerbs, but Kelly is top notch.

Didn't they do the simulcast back in the '80s? To me, the rhythm of radio vs TV is different. Radio needs to be more descriptive which can be distracting when you're watching a game.

Yes, back in the 80s they did the simulcast thing. The Blackhawks still did up until 15 years or so ago I think.

[oldbattler]

Definitely a cost thing, but I checked and John Kelly is about to turn 65. I’m sure he loves what he does but maybe he sent signals that the travel was getting to be a little much. Regardless, it’s a shame and it will be a little odd without having him calling the games.

+1 Frank
I agree it with you it was a Cost cutting move.
I Love John Kelly but like you pointed out, he is getting up there in age and I think he also had some Health issues not to long ago which also maybe a Factor.
I am curious to see if John Kelly trys to maybe catch on with another Team Telecasts or if he is just call it quits at his age now.

[Section315]

Kerbs and Joey are going to have to cut down on the schmaltz aren't they? With radio, you don't know what you are missing out on. On TV, you know if the announcers are slacking.

[LewisL]

Makes me sad, but wasn't unexpected by me. I thought JK was really looking old on the telecasts last season. I will miss him.

[JoshInFenton]

I don't mind Kelly or Kerber. Both are fine broadcasters, each a slightly different style, i was ok with either. Hate to see John Kelly go but he was the older of the two, and i suspect that had about as much to do with it as anything.

I'm indiffferent to either color guy. I'm not convinced either is particularly great at it, feel we've been without a really good call-it-like-i-see-it since Chaser had to step away from the booth.

Kerber and Vitale will still be easier to listen to than the majority of national telecasts, hope John Kelly lands on his feet or if he decides to retire hope he enjoys it.

[General]

They kept the wrong team and should’ve dumped Kerber. I love listening to Kelly as it reminds me of his dad. I could listen to him read the dictionary. Really disappointed they would do this.

[stlblue06]

Kerbs and Joey are going to have to cut down on the schmaltz aren't they? With radio, you don't know what you are missing out on. On TV, you know if the announcers are slacking.

It will be an adjustment/learning curve for them but I think everyone will grow to love that duo. It feels like it’s fashionable to dislike Vatelli on here for some reason. I think he brings some needed “looseness” to the broadcast and the chemistry is much better with the new crew vs Kelly/Rivers.

Make no mistake though, we went from the most unique and best combo in Kelly/Pang just 3 seasons ago to losing both. JK will be missed for sure!

[Backesdraft]

I like Kerbs. He strikes me as a little less homerish than other announcers and I can appreciate that. Now, that said, Vitale is not good on the broadcast and, while maybe a little unrelated, he does weekly hits on the 101.1 morning show and he is an obnoxious toolbag. I mean, a total (bleep). Maybe that shouldn’t matter but it’s hard listening to him talk hockey knowing he’s an absolute turd of a human.