The Columbus Blue Jackets must be careful. The anger and vitriol being spewed in public spaces this summer suggests the fan base has never seemed more agitated or disappointed in the organization, and that’s really quite a statement.The recent decision to let longtime radio play-by-play voice Bob McElligott walk after 17 seasons, and the news on Monday that writer/club ambassador Jeff Svoboda was also being shown the door, have appalled a large swath of Blue Jackets fans in a way that’s distinctly different from the anger born of the franchise’s chronic losing.“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a major sports team self-destruct on itself like this before,” said one fan on X. “Who is next now that Bobby Mac and Svoboda are gone, Stinger?” wondered another.The comment sections on stories related to the departure of McElligott and Svoboda have been highly negative, too, with some fans wondering if they want to renew their season tickets and others expressing that they’re questioning their support of the franchise.That’s a large potential problem for an organization that also has enjoyed precious little on-ice success during its existence. If the team doesn’t win, and if fans start to lose that sense of kinship that has long been a staple of the franchise, what’s left?The Athletic reached out to team president Mike Priest via email this week to discuss these issues, and he responded with the following statement:“We have great fans and are very appreciative of their passion and support for the Blue Jackets. We also understand how some of them are feeling right now. There are aspects of our business that have changed dramatically in recent years. In order for us to grow, we have to evolve with those changes and at times that affect people that we all care about like Bob and Jeff.“We pride ourselves in taking care of our people and do so when situations arise that result in change and they leave the Blue Jackets. We do everything we can to assist them and treat them fairly in situations that we recognize are very difficult.“Change is rarely easy, but our transition to a simulcast and more dynamic, video-centered content on our other platforms will help us adapt and serve our fans better.“We are working hard to be better on and off the ice. We know we haven’t won at a level that our fans deserve and that drives us every day. That work will continue. The support of our fans means everything to us and is not something we take for granted.”But can the Blue Jackets turn this around?There is still lingering resentment at how last season ended for the Blue Jackets, sure. They went 3-9-1 over the last 3 1/2 weeks of the season to miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, the second-longest drought in franchise history.And yes, the moves made by GM Don Waddell this summer, adding forwards Valeri Nichushkin and Ryan Lomberg, have been underwhelming for many. The midsummer flare-up with Zach Werenski — does he want to be here or not? — has been disconcerting to say the least.