St. LOUIS – If St. Louis Blues fans weren’t already reeling from a spectacularly disappointing 23-24-3 season, many were dropped to the canvas from yesterday’s gut-punch announcement that long-time color analysts and viewer favorite Darren Pang would be leaving for a rival franchise.
The knockout blow? He looks to be joining the Chicago Blackhawks.
After 14 years of insightful between-the-glass insight peppered with an infectious laugh and his signature “Holy Jumpin’!”, Pang’s contract was scheduled to end this offseason. With Diamond Sports, parent company of Bally Sports Midwest on which Blues’ games appear, suffering financial difficulties including filing for bankruptcy and the loss of other regional franchise broadcasts, this move may point to a money matter rather than any personal decision related to the franchise.
Having played goalie for the Blackhawks for three seasons in the 80’s, the move will represent a homecoming of sorts for Pang. Still, for many Blues fans, “Panger” and his upbeat delivery were often the only bright spot during the 2022-23 campaign.
Pang, who is also expected to sign an extension with TNT for whom he currently provides commentary on national broadcasts, has stated previously that any new contract would have to make allowances for that role.
It is not yet known who will succeed Pang alongside play-by-play stalwart John Kelly whose own contract expires next season, but such names as former Blues’ Defenseman Jamie Rivers and popular Blues’ radio broadcaster Joe Vitale have been floated, each having filled in for him during the season.
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