Columbus Blue Jackets Move to TV Audio Simulcast, Ending Bob McElligott’s Radio Role

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that beginning with the 2026‑27 season all game broadcasts will be simulcast, using the television audio feed for radio listeners. The change ends the contract of longtime radio play‑by‑play announcer Bob McElligott, who called games for 17 seasons.

Steve Mears will become the sole play‑by‑play voice on the simulcast, joined by former player Jody Shelley as color analyst. Dylan Tyrer will continue handling pre‑ and post‑game segments, and Vice President of Business Intelligence and Broadcasting Marc Gregory praised McElligott’s contributions. With the move, the Blue Jackets become the fifth NHL team to adopt a TV‑radio simulcast model, joining the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues.