NY Islanders letting go of radio broadcast team was a minor league misfire

For the second consecutive day, the New York Islanders announced a significant organizational shift. While this latest change won’t affect the on-ice product directly, it has struck a deep chord with fans and members of the media close to the team.

As first reported by Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Islanders will not retain their longtime radio broadcast team of Chris King and Greg Picker for the upcoming season. The organization is moving toward a simulcast model, rebroadcasting the MSG Network’s television feed on the radio — a growing trend across the NHL that, while cost-effective, often comes at the expense of an aspect of the fan experience.

Chris King, affectionately known as "Kinger," has been a staple of Islanders broadcasts for decades. Before taking over as the play-by-play voice, he served in the same analyst role now occupied by Picker, working alongside names like Steve Mears and John Wiedeman. For generations of Islanders fans, especially those who tuned in via WRHU, King and Picker’s familiar voices became synonymous with Islanders hockey. Their deep knowledge of the team and genuine passion were unmatched.

While simulcasting is becoming more common in today’s NHL media landscape, it's widely regarded as a cost-cutting measure. Radio calls are distinct in their rhythm and storytelling, designed to paint a picture for listeners without visuals. That intimacy and detail often gets lost in simulcasts, which are primarily tailored for a television audience.

The decision to part ways with King and Picker drew swift and emotional reactions from around the hockey world.

MSG Networks broadcaster Brendan Burke wrote on social media: “I have lots of thoughts on today's news. I have — and will — share them with the people that need to hear them. What I will say here is Chris King and Greg Picker bleed blue & orange. Their passion and knowledge is what made them special, and they are wonderful people.”

Newsday Islanders beat writer Andrew Gross echoed those sentiments: “Very sad to hear news about Chris King and Greg Picker not returning. Two good friends, and I’ll miss the conversations — both silly and serious — around the rink. Both were part of the fabric of the team.”

Indeed, King and Picker weren’t just broadcasters; they were part of the Islanders’ extended family — the close-knit circle of media members, alumni, and insiders who have been fixtures around the team for years. The pair's departure feels like more than a professional shake-up; it feels personal.

It also feels very minor league.

The Islanders, whose franchise valuation has skyrocketed in recent years, have increasingly presented themselves as a modern, big-market organization. But this move, though not without precedent in the league, feels like a misstep — a small financial savings at the cost of losing two deeply respected voices, losing their dream jobs.

Things won’t quite feel or sound the same without them.