In the time since Chris Cuthbert left TSN for Rogers Sportsnet, Cuthbert called the 2020 NHL playoffs including a conference final, the 2021 reduced regular season, and the 2021 playoffs, including a Stanley Cup final. The CFL still hasn't been on the field.
Chris Cuthbert has called 21 of the last 24 Grey Cup games, the last 12 for TSN and 9 with CBC. You can't just replace a Chris Cuthbert on the CFL telecasts. TSN limped along in the regular season without replacing Cuthbert on the NHL telecasts.
Chris Cuthbert picks Stanley Cup final over TSN, jumps to Rogers Sportsnet
TSN and the CFL have given this consideration since June 2020. Let's look at the TV play-by-play options.
I don’t know, but I would be happy to if asked. https://t.co/ezlBCS2ipD
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) August 5, 2020
Gord Miller — Miller has a day job calling play by play for TSN hockey coverage. Calling the CFL has been a secondary passion and Miller picks up on calling games rather easily. Miller can work games early in the season. TSN may save Miller to call the West semifinal, West final, and Grey Cup. They haven't found a hockey replacement for Cuthbert so having one would certainly help.
Rod Smith — Smith has a day job as the host on the CFL on TSN panel. Smith has called Thursday night games during the summer. Smith and Miller are the only realistic choices for the major playoff games. TSN has more options to host in studio than to call the big games.
Dustin Nielson — Nielson has a day job as the morning host on TSN 1260 in Edmonton. His weekend schedule is more flexible. Nielson called all of 7 games, all in 2019. He brings a strong enthusiasm but needs more experience to call the really big games. Nielson could be a wild card in calling the Labour Day games out west but not the playoff games.
Rod Black — Have not forgotten about Mr. Excitement. Black is as versatile and solid a broadcaster as TSN has in its family. Black will be the #2 voice, calling the East semifinal and East final. There is a slim chance Black moves up on the depth chart to call the Grey Cup but would best be suited in his current role.
Dave Randorf — Randorf was a free agent and a desired choice to call the 2020 CFL season. Randorf's free agent status disappeared after signing to call the Tampa Bay Lightning games. Randorf could call games until mid-September and on select weekends, depending on border availability.
Farhan Lalji, Kate Beirness, Sara Orlesky, Derek Taylor — Lalji calls an occasional game with the last one in 2019. Beirness has hosted the CFL on TSN panel with success on Thursday night games. Orlesky is a champion with hosting the Winnipeg Jets coverage and covering the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on the sidelines. Taylor is a former TSN employee who calls the Saskatchewan Roughriders on radio. Anyone of these along with John Lu and Matthew Scianitti should increase their experience if they want to do so.
Matt Devlin, Dean Brown — Devlin has a tremendous amount of experience as the voice of the Toronto Raptors. Brown is the radio voice of the Ottawa Senators. Devlin did call some CFL games from 2012–2017. Brown has CFL experience on TV and radio. Both have very busy day jobs.
Mark Lee — Mark Lee called the Grey Cup for CBC in 2005-2007. Nobody thinks TSN will borrow Mark Lee, though worth mentioning actual Grey Cup experience. Steve Armitage also called the CFL for CBC after the public broadcaster let Cuthbert get away.
Rick Ball — Ball has a day job with the Calgary Flames on Rogers Sportsnet. Ball has experience calling BC Lions on radio. This would require a generous loan by Rogers to TSN, which will never happen.
Jock Climie — Climie seems definitely retired from football and analyzing football. He is knowledgeable and versatile, hosting the panel and being on the panel. If TSN promised this would only be for 2021, maybe, possibly, hopefully.
Tim Micallef — This might be the game changer if TSN wants a bold move. Micallef has a day job at Rogers, hosting Tim and Friends. Sid Seixeiro left Tim and Sid to move over to Breakfast Television early in 2021. Micallef has shown a passion and interest in Canadian football.
Don Wittman called the Grey Cup on CBC from 1981-1995. Cuthbert took over for Wittman in 1996; he was already calling CFL games and moved up to the top spot. Someone was ready and there was a smooth transition. This transition will not be smooth; the person calling the 2021 Grey Cup may not be the same person calling the 2024 Grey Cup.
CFL cancels 2020 season
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There may be an opening on the CFL on TSN panel. Henry Burris joined the Chicago Bears coaching staff for the 2020 as a seasonal coaching assistant. Burris is now a full-time, offensive quality control coach with the Bears. Davis Sanchez is the logical pick to be on the panel. TSN will need to find someone to fill in for Matt Dunigan on the panel.
CanadianCrossing.com CFL coverage
A reminder to U.S. based CFL fans: The ESPN deal will cover a limited regular season schedule, mostly on ESPN2. All playoff games, including the Grey Cup, should air on the ESPN channels. The rest of the games will be on ESPN+: the service is relevant to MLS fans now and for NHL fans come this fall.
photo credit: TSN
Twitter capture: @GMillerTSN
Strong, informative analysis, Chad!
Posted by: Chicago's Canadians | July 21, 2021 at 12:35 PM
High praise coming from you. Glad to have a CFL season to answer these questions.
Posted by: Chad | July 21, 2021 at 06:38 PM