NHL team faces significant backlash after firing 'best voice in the NHL' to cut financial costs

The St. Louis Blues have a culture problem. It's apparently not in the locker room, as Jim Montgomery has that locked down. It's in the front office, as the team made a huge mistake today.

They have decided to get rid of announcer John Kelly, who is a fan favorite and considered the voice of the St. Louis Blues.

Kelly has been the voice of the Blues on television for the last two decades, but announced on Thursday he wouldn't be with the team this season.

The move faced backlash quickly, as NHL Insider John Buccigross wouldn't let them live this terrible move down.

The move is seen as a cost-cutting measure, as they have gone with a simulcast model, which will be hosted by Chris Kerber and Joe Vitale, as they will be on both the television and radio. Kerber will be the play-by-play announcer, while Joe Vitale will be the analyst for FanDuel Sports Network.

The duo has called the Blues games on the radio for the last several years, and needless to say, people aren't happy.

Moves like this give the game away as they use corporate lingo like "strategic realignment," which is used in place of "cost-cutting".

The move is short-sighted as each broadcast team has its own unique style, and the circumstances surrounding the game. A radio announcer and television broadcast analyst has to convey information differently.

So strategically, it makes sense for people's pockets, just not the regular fans' pocketbooks.

It seems the only thinking here is short-term, and it won't end well for the Blues.