The curse and the blessing of a monthly column means something that was noteworthy weeks ago has been hashed and rehashed by somewhat smarter people than me. But the distance between the topic and my viewpoint now offers me an overview that’s different than any instant reaction as I hover above the fray.

With that in mind it’s time to land the chopper. To wit, which organization has had the worst summer from a public relations standpoint: Buc-ee’s gas stations attempt to bully a nearby “competitor” over a trademark issue or the Columbus Blue Jacket’ latest saga when they jettisoned two longtime and popular members of their radio and social media staffs, respectively?

Now, I don’t know Buc-ee’s from Stuckey’s but I understand that if you open your first Ohio store in Huber Heights in April and within a gallon of gas is the community of Beavercreek there’s a strong likelihood that beaver mascots and names associated with beavers, such as the high school, are going to be in conflict with Buc-ee’s beaverish logo.

Yet, Buc-ee’s is going after Beaver’s Mini Mart. A perfect start for the new business. You know it’s bad when the governor takes a minute away from chomping on a corn dog at the state fair to issue a condemnation of Buc-ee’s.

And isn’t Buc-ee’s similar to Buckeyes? Hmm.

Which brings us to the Blue Jackets. We all know about the did he or didn’t he ask for a trade melodrama – or is it rom com? – involving the best defenseman in the league, Zach Werenski, and general manager Don Waddell. That preceded words from Kirill Marchenko’s agent that the talented but underachieving forward does not plan on signing an extension with the CBJ. This all happened around  the NHL draft in late June and the Fourth of July.

It seems like months ago now because on July 21 a press release stated that the Blue Jackets, because of the collapse of their regional sports network (FanDuel Sports Network), were joining three other teams in running their own broadcast operation in affiliation with the NHL.

Eight days later they announced the games would be simulcast and, oh by the way, they are dropping radio play-by announcer Bob McElligott,  a 17-year ambassador for the team. About a week later, Jeff Svoboda, the eyes, ears and written voice as the Blue Jackets Insider for eight years was also kicked to the curb.

Fan outrage over both moves was expected but combined with the team’s meandering efforts to capture an elusive playoff berth, the sense is that enough is enough. But it may not be as I will explain in a bit.

Dollars and No Sense

Two things are true about the most recent happenings. First, the Blue Jackets can justify the cost-cutting measures because of the loss of revenue from their previous media deal combined with the expense of running their own production.

Second, it still sucks on all counts and is not a good look for the Columbus Blue Jackets. McElligott was a warrior for the organization in terms of podcasts, going solo on broadcasts, his Monday Mailbag and appearances on behalf of the team.

He earned the trust of his listeners with his opinions and that may have been to his detriment because there were times he would not sugarcoat the state of the franchise, much to the chagrin of his bosses.

There’s something else at stake. No one believes simulcasts present the radio or streaming audiences a better broadcast. It’s nothing against TV play-play Steve Mears or analyst Jody Shelly. It’s just different following the action on radio.

TV, even in the fast-paced sport of hockey, can be conversational while the play is developing on your screen. Watch the highlight shows on the NHL Network and listen to the goal calls and the number of times the play-by-play announcer is rushing to catch up with the action. Then it’s all explained via a replay that radio listeners can’t see.

I have to stop here to push back on the criticism locally and of course nationally where the CBJ are the punching bag. The Blue Jackets won’t be the first, second, third or fourth team to simulcast this season but because of their lack of success they are the only ones viewed as cheapskates while Buffalo, Carolina, Dallas and St. Louis have escaped scrutiny over the years. Heck, the Los Angeles Kings tried it earlier this decade and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ radio team doesn’t travel. Think of that.

But I get the local angst. For CBJ fans, losing Bob and Jeff is personal and a clear message that times are changing and not for the better. It’s surprising that Jeff was let go because the whole idea behind having a team reporter was to control the narrative of how a franchise is viewed when stacked against the evil “mainstream” media which I was a part of for 25 years.

That’s not a knock on Jeff. In fact, his journalist acumen enabled him to craft stories that weren’t always flattering to the team without being derogatory and I give the CBJ credit for allowing him to delve into negative stories. He didn’t shy from writing about six-game losing streak or a player’s slump but would also explain the hows and whys needed to add context.

Jeff was there home and road and you could rely on his lineups from the morning skates and insight that, well, only an insider could get. In an era when fewer media travel, he was invaluable but also taken for granted.

For example, on one of Carolina’s visits to Nationwide Arena last season there was no postgame availability because no one showed up to ask questions.

While the Blue Jackets plan to increase their social media presence to compensate Jeff’s absence it won’t be the same. I can’t wait for the TikTok series delving into the players’ favorite color of Easter eggs.

In a perfect world that never exists for the Blue Jackets, they could have cooled some of the fans ire with a media blitz announcing the hiring of former Columbus Chill player and coach Don Granato. The former Sabres head coach is a popular figure in these parts and his introduction whether in person or via Zoom would have been a welcome diversion for the beleaguered organization.

Chopping Block

Michael Arace, a columnist for CBussports.com when he’s not running the informative and entertaining Disrespected Media, hosted The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline on his podcast last week and the two lashed the CBJ for the firings of Bob and Jeff and touched on other subjects.

It was interesting that Aaron hinted more cuts, which will piss off fans, could be coming. With PA announcer Greg Murray retired, is it time for a fresh approach to game ops? And what could that mean for in-game host Mike Todd and anthem singer Leo Welsh among others? At this stage it seems everything is on the table for what will be the most pivotal season in Blue Jackets history.

The unwavering fan support is seething and teetering on a mutiny and another year without the playoffs will guarantee Werenski won’t be around to see the end of his contract after the 2027-28 season. Of course, he may want out anyway. The irony is that those who wanted to stay (Bob and Jeff) were shown the door.

These are trying moments for the Blue Jackets but don’t pity them because the wounds are self-inflicted. In about six weeks, they’ll have an opportunity to start changing the storyline that continues to hound them.

We’ll be watching. Or watching/listening simultaneously. I’m so confused.

Book It

The long-awaited pre-order for “It Doesn’t Get Better Than This” is on Amazon prior to the release on Sept. 28.

The book I authored details the life of retired CBJ broadcaster Jeff Rimer. It’s been quite a ride. Also, check out jeffrimer.com.

Comments and column ideas welcome: cmerz@cbussports.com