Some Thoughts on Doc's Replacement

By Kevin Canessa Jr.
NewJerseyDevilsBlog

The departure of Doc Emrick from MSG has, of course, led to speculation as to whom would be best to "replace" him. And while filling Doc's shoes will be a monumental task, there are a few guys who come to mind immediately as consummate professionals who I believe would be great fits in the booth at the Rock.

Goldstein

-- Steve 'Goldie' Goldstein is the current play-by-play voice on TV for the Florida Panthers. In 2010, we were fortunate to hear Goldie teamed up with John Vanbeisbrouck doing USA Olympic hockey games on the radio. Goldie is passionate about hockey, in a market that generally doesn't care about its hockey team. He would be my first choice were I looking to hire someone for Doc's replacement.

Moller

-- Randy Moller is currently also working for the Florida Panthers, on WQAM-560 in Miami, as radio play-by-play announcer. His unique style would bring a new dimension to Devils games. Want proof? Have a listen to some of these classic Moller calls from the radio.

Rose

-- Howie Rose. How about a lateral move from Long Island, where he clearly hates having to call Islanders games to New Jersey, where he'd actually get to call playoff games? Howie is as good as they come. And this wouldn't be a first. Joe Micheletti left the Islanders booth as colour commentator to join the Rangers a few years back, after John Davidson left to become general manager of the St. Louis Blues.

Albert

-- Kenny Albert, son of Marv Albert, has paid his dues on MSG radio calling Rangers games. Perhaps it's time he moves on to TV? His grasp on the NHL is superb, and he'd be yet another Rangers announcer who went on to call games for a rival?

LaGreca

-- Don LaGreca is perhaps the most obvious choice. He's already under contract with MSG (he subs on Rangers broadcasts on the radio) and he's as big a Devils fan as there is. He's also well known for hosting "NHL Live" on Sirius/XM radio and is one of the most noted hockey commentators in the United States.

Loughlin

Cangialosi

-- Steve Cangialosi and/or Matt Loughlin have both been employed by the team for years, and it's possible Lou Lamoriello might just want to move someone up from a lower position. I'd accept this -- but would still prefer some of the otherwise mentioned.

Everett

-- Finally, Seth Everett. I have to be careful with this choice, because I know Seth personally, and I don't want to come across as a so-called "homer." However, like LaGreca, Seth is another passionate Devils fan and is, in my mind, one of the best and  most under-appreciated sports-talk hosts in the country.

Perhaps Seth's biggest challenge would be his new-found work in Philadelphia -- on The Talker 1210 doing Phillies post-games and his added work on 1210, WIP-610 and KYW-1060.

However, his connection to the team, CBS Radio (which has Devils radio-broadcasting rights) and the New Jersey Nets (Seth does the pre- and post-game shows for them on WFAN) could make him a shoe-in, perhaps for the radio gig if Loughlin is moved to the TV side. This wouldn't be Seth's first foray into NHL work either, having spent several years working on Colorado Avalanche Broadcasts.