I'm not young and I can't speak for all of my colleagues, but I've been doing PXP for years at various levels (including minor pro hockey). Maybe this is the benefit of age and having spent years "paying my dues." There are very few NHL gigs out there and, yes, that is the goal for every single one of us, especially for an Original Six team. My "break" came about because of a similar situation, and I was both simultaneously grateful for the opportunity but had a pit in my stomach about taking over for someone I *really* looked up to (and someone who remains a friend).
I take no offense to someone who has been an institution with a team still holding the job, even if he's dealing with speech issues. Would I love to have an opportunity to jump to the show? Absolutely, but I'm not losing sleep at night because it hasn't happened yet. Do I believe I could hack it in the NHL or the higher levels? Definitely, but again, I don't lose sleep over the fact that I'm in the minors and others have gotten breaks or are holding what for me would be a dream job. I hope I'm given similar consideration when Father Time catches up to me, which hopefully won't be for a long time.
What frustrates me and a lot of us more is the fact that some teams are beginning to skimp on broadcasting by combining their radio & TV into one simulcast (the Kings and Hurricanes have done so recently - which led to really talented radio broadcasters like Chuck Kaiton and Alex Faust losing their roles. The Stars have been doing it for years).