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Blues president and CEO Chris Zimmerman defended the decision on Friday morning to oust television play-by-play broadcaster John Kelly, saying that he “definitely wouldn’t characterize it as a cost-cutting move.�

On Thursday evening, the Blues (along with FanDuel Sports Network Midwest and 101 ESPN) announced that the club would not renew Kelly’s contract, and that they would be transitioning to a simulcast with Chris Kerber and Joey Vitale calling the action. The announcement brought outrage from Blues fans on social media, with plenty criticizing the organization for being cheap.

Zimmerman said the decision to change the broadcast was a joint one with FanDuel Sports Network.

“Are there some costs to be saved by not having two separate productions?� Zimmerman said. “Sure, but when you look at the scope of our business, what we’re investing in, how we’re investing in the business, how we invest in players, it’s just not the driver. … We’re not going to save our way to success here. We’re going to win in a new media world based on how good the product is, how engaging and, oh yes, of course, a big part will also always be about the quality of the team and how entertaining they are.�

Among the other changes to the television broadcast are Jamie Rivers returning to the studio after two years as the primary analyst on the broadcast, the addition of Chris Pronger to Blues Live, the elimination of Alexa Datt’s duties as host, and the expansion of Andy Strickland’s job as rinkside reporter to include reporting and hosting from road games as well. Scott Warmann and Bernie Federko will continue on Blues Live.

Kelly was the television voice of the Blues for 20 seasons beginning in 2005-06 after previously working in Tampa Bay and Colorado. With longtime partner Darren Pang, the duo formed one of the best broadcasts in hockey. Pang left to join the Blackhawks broadcast two years ago, and now Kelly is gone, too.

Kelly is the son of former Blues broadcaster Dan Kelly, who called games from 1968-89. Dan Kelly has a banner in the rafters in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and the press box at Enterprise Center is named after him.

“The Bluenote will always hold a special place in our family, and it has been a privilege to be part of this team’s journey,â€� Kelly said in a statement posted on X. “My late father, Dan Kelly, helped pioneer the game of hockey in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, and having the opportunity to carry on that legacy in this city has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

“To the people of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and the passionate Blues fans, thank you. Your unwavering support has meant everything to me and my family. The outpouring of kindness over the years has been truly humbling. This fanbase is one of a kind.â€�

Zimmerman noted that the new leadership at FanDuel helped play a role in this decision, as longtime former ESPN executive Norby Williamson leads production and Jay Rothman oversees the NHL broadcasts. Rothman produced primetime NFL games for ESPN for about 20 years, first with Sunday Night Football before ESPN gained Monday Night Football. Zimmerman called them “visionaries in the business,� and said he met them two months ago.

“They brought a lot of fresh ideas,� Zimmerman said. “Their entering the picture and wanting to bring a little bit different feel to the production also certainly has played a role.�

Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of FanDuel Sports Network, emerged from bankruptcy in January about two years after initially filing for Chapter 11. It now operates under the name Main Street Sports Group.

In making this decision in conjunction with FanDuel Sports Network, how confident was Zimmerman in the future of the network? The Blues have two seasons remaining on their agreement with the network, though the 2026-27 season can be opted out.

“I believe that this group is going to succeed,� Zimmerman said. “I believe it’s going to continue to be prudent for us to think about change that may be ahead. Anybody who thinks that they have the answer to what local sports television in our league and others looks like in 24 months, or in 48, or pick your time, there’s going to be more change.

“This decision is about working to build something together with our partner that we believe can be successful now. That’s all that is realistic for us to be looking at right now is what’s right ahead of us and how we continue to evolve.�

Last season, the Blues aired games primarily on FanDuel Sports Network, with three of them airing over-the-air on KMOV or Matrix Midwest and streaming on Victory+. Zimmerman said the organization didn’t process the findings from the 2024-25 season until after the playoffs.

Kelly was informed earlier this week that he would not be returning.

“We’re charging ourselves with creating the most engaging, entertaining and as well as informative product that we can,� Zimmerman said. “We think that Kerbs, obviously, his talents are unquestioned. We believe that we’ve got one of the best in the business and a team between the two of them that has chemistry, a commitment to the game, a commitment to learning, a commitment to our brand that is going to give us a dynamic, fresh broadcast.�

The Blues will become the latest NHL team to simulcast their television broadcast on the radio. Last season, the Sabres, Stars, Hurricanes and Kings did so. The Islanders recently announced that they will do the same.

“The simulcast is a part of the story, but it’s a smaller part,� Zimmerman said. “In terms of the future, let’s face it, the television people have said ‘Well, which gets priority? The television or the radio?’ Have no doubt, the two biggest ways that the Blues drive interest in the sport start with television and the in-arena experience. First and foremost is television.�

Zimmerman was asked how he would respond to Blues fans upset with the decision.

“I’d say I completely understand,� Zimmerman said. “It’s a challenging announcement to hear. It’s unexpected. But I would say that just as we do on the ice, we’re working to bring what we believe can be the best product and the best experience viewing our game as possible. We made a very hard decision, and we make it with massive respect for John, what he means and will always mean to our organization as we feel about his family as well.�