Stillman

[STL fan in MN]

Army runs the Blues as THE MAN asks him to run it.

Army makes his moves based on the bottom line as well.

Neither of those is remotely true, but carry on.

BTW, Army has nothing to do with the broadcasters

Facts won’t stop him from his crusade against Army though.

Army is the President of HOCKEY Operations (and GM). Chris Zimmerman is the CEO and President of BUSINESS Operations. If you have any idea of how the Blues are run, it’s obvious that on the Blues side, this had to get okayed by Zimmerman and Steve Chapman, the EVP of Revenue and Marketing. And then obviously getting Stillman’s blessing as well.

Everything I read is that it was really driven by the new “visionaries” at FanDuel. I’m sure the Blues really could’ve put their foot down and said no but in the end, they decided a simulcast was the way to go, JK’s contract had expired so that’s the direction they went. I’m not very happy about it but I also don’t think much less of Stillman. He (and his group) are still pretty clearly the best owner(s) this team has ever had.

[Harry S Deals]

Wasnt JK and Datt employees of Fan Duel? Were there details somewhere of the actual transaction between Fan Duel and the Blues? For instance if Fan Duel was cutting costs and decided JK was gone what were the options provided to the Blues does anyone have this somewhere? What if Fan Duel was cutting those positions and the Blues couldnt afford to pick up the bill, or did the Blues even have a choice? Too many unknows for me although i havent really tried to dig very deep into this i kinda dont care its the product on the ice im interested in

[netboy65]

Wasnt JK and Datt employees of Fan Duel? Were there details somewhere of the actual transaction between Fan Duel and the Blues? For instance if Fan Duel was cutting costs and decided JK was gone what were the options provided to the Blues does anyone have this somewhere? What if Fan Duel was cutting those positions and the Blues couldnt afford to pick up the bill, or did the Blues even have a choice? Too many unknows for me although i havent really tried to dig very deep into this i kinda dont care its the product on the ice im interested in

Just my opinion, but I think it was a FanDuel decision but they came to the Blues to get their buy in as well.

[Cahokanut]

I'm so done with this "business clause" for being a shitbag and doing shitbag things.

Let's be honest. Army and Company can [shirt] in a bag and the same posters would tell you how great it smells, after taking a minute long sniff.

Stillman sells a product. Where he uses the city's name, tax benefits and is of public interest. The play by play team is a bigger part of that product and this city then the short sited management cares to see.

There is no business clause. There are old men with ego and a cult following that allows them to be [shirt]bags, or as they see it. Business man for the interest of the public.

With about everyone that was gold gone from ’19 it's looking like one man knows how to get that statue.

[sdaltons]

I'm so done with this "business clause" for being a shitbag and doing shitbag things.

Let's be honest. Army and Company can [shirt] in a bag and the same posters would tell you how great it smells, after taking a minute long sniff.

Stillman sells a product. Where he uses the city's name, tax benefits and is of public interest. The play by play team is a bigger part of that product and this city then the short sited management cares to see.

There is no business clause. There are old men with ego and a cult following that allows them to be [shirt]bags, or as they see it. Business man for the interest of the public.

With about everyone that was gold gone from ’19 it's looking like one man knows how to get that statue.

Lmao and then there are posters who take threads which have nothing to do with Armstrong and use them to [shirt] on Armstrong. Boy that's not tiring.

[11WSChamps]

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".

[11WSChamps]

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.

[ChooseBlues]

What's with fans and media losing their minds over John Kelly's play-by-play contract not being renewed?

Y'all are acting like he’s the second coming of Al MacInnis.

When the team trades a fan-favorite player or lets one walk, it’s all “business is business,” “he signed the contract,” “he’s holding up the next guy,” or “we’ve got too many forwards anyway, so suck it up, buttercup.”

But a play-by-play guy gets the boot, and suddenly it’s a crime against hockey?

Where’s all that “tough business decisions” energy now?

No “Kelly was never gonna call another Cup-clincher anyway” or “he’s blocking the next big voice”?

Sports fans are silly—players get the guillotine, but announcers are untouchable saints.

[dhsux]

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.

[netboy65]

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

[netboy65]

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

[dhsux]

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.

[netboy65]

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

[callitwhatyouwant]

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.

[11WSChamps]

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..

[netboy65]

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.