Sabres news: This upcoming season will be RJ’s final season in the booth

News broke this morning that long-time Buffalo Sabres TV announcer, Rick Jeanneret, will be retiring after the 2021-2022 NHL season. A statement from RJ was posted on the official Buffalo Sabres Twitter account this morning.

Jeanneret’s final season as the play-by-play announcer for the Sabres will include him calling 20 more games, all of which will take place at KeyBank Center. The remaining Sabres games next season will have Dan Dunleavy as the play-by-play commentator.

RJ has not only been one of, if not the most iconic voice and media personality for the Sabres, but for the sport of hockey as well. He has always been full of energy and passion for the Buffalo Sabres, even throughout their recent struggles. Sometimes he has been the only reason some of these more recent Sabres games have been bearable to watch on TV, even if Buffalo is getting blown out.

Last year would not have been a proper send-off for RJ, with little to no fans in the KeyBank Center. As someone who has been a staple of the Buffalo Sabres for as long as Jeanneret has, it is only right that he can call his final games with an arena full of fans.

It is a shame that the product on the ice may not be up to par for what RJ deserves to be calling in his final 20 games, but I am sure he will make the most of his games and those 20 games will be absolute must-watch TV for any fan of Buffalo, no matter the team’s record.

From his iconic lines such as “Top shelf where mama hides the cookies!”, to his legendary playoff calls such as “May Day! May Day!” and “These guys are good! Scary good!”, and everything in between, RJ has put together a legendary career. Although he will be greatly missed after he retires, we should all be grateful for 20 more games to listen to the GOAT of the broadcast booth.