The announcement this week that the Columbus Blue Jackets would start simulcasting their TV broadcasts on radio has raised the alarm that the future of original radio play-by-play is slowly but inexorably disappearing, as stations look to save money. 

And the trend is spreading. But where does it - and the storied history of NHL on radio - end?

"It’s another blow to a radio industry that, like other long-held media avenues, has taken its share of hits in recent years. And those in the business worry the Blue Jackets’ decision may give other organizations the justification to make the same move.

 The Blue Jackets are the fifth NHL club — joining the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues — to simulcast their TV broadcasts over radio. For the past several seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ radio crew has called road games from a studio in Toronto."

We all remember the infamous period of Blue Jay games using the Sportsnet television audio. "As you can see by the angle where the ball hit..." and all those other plays that relied on visuals, it was a disaster and at least that's over - for now. Would Rogers try it again? I would not put anything past them. 

Is NHL hockey on the radio a dying art? Veteran broadcasters worry about its future