DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 15: U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2012 recipient, Eddie Olczyk speaks during the 40th annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner at Plaza of the Americas on October 15, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images
Veteran television analyst Eddie Olczyk's next stop is all set: the Puget Sound.
The 16-year broadcaster and former NHL forward officially has joined the Seattle Kraken broadcast space, agreeing to a multi-year deal as a newcomer on Thursday to the team's telecasts on ROOT Sports.
Olczyk will be added to a three-man TV booth format, teaming with play-by-play announcer John Forslund and fellow color analyst J.T. Brown.
“(Olczyk) is one of the best in the business," said Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke in a team statement.
"We are fortunate to be adding Eddie to the already outstanding team of John and J.T. to create a top-flight three-person broadcast crew for our fans to enjoy.”
Olczyk was introduced on Thursday via conference call with Forslund and Brown, wasting little time to enjoy pleasantries, light humor about their roles akin to broadcast linemates, and recognizing the feel of instant chemistry.
"What's happened here now is we've added a top level professional and top level human being," said Forslund.
"It only helps to be able to have the best working with you," said Brown.
Olczyk's name and resume boasts 16 years of work on Chicago Blackhawks telecasts, from where he departed this summer, and renowned national TV work for 15 years as lead analyst on NBC which included coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Winter Classic, and Winter Olympics. For five years, his voice was also heard on EA Sports' NHL video game series as a color analyst.
"For me it's about becoming ingrained in the community and getting to know the area, organization, training staff, players, and coaches," said Olczyk. "There are going to be a lot of things for me that are very new."
"When that light goes on, we're there to entertain, sell the message, and talk about Kraken hockey."
The Chicago native now brings his work to Kraken viewership after he signed on last year as lead color commentator with TNT’s coverage of NHL games, where he will continue with his current duties on national telecasts. He said determining any scheduling conflicts are still a work in progress, until TNT's national telecast schedule is released.
TNT holds annual TV rights to the NHL Winter Classic and Stadium Series, along with this upcoming season’s Stanley Cup Final.
A noted horse racing aficionado, he will also continue with a role on NBC Sports’ Triple Crown coverage.
That brought Leiweke to explain, tongue in cheek, one field trip requirement of Olczyk.
"Eddie's promised to go to the track with me," said Leiweke. "Just to watch."
Olczyk was a part of the New York Rangers that won the Stanley Cup in 1994 and ten years ago was elected to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. After his playing career with Chicago, Toronto, Winnipeg, the Rangers, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh, he worked a brief two-season stint as head coach of the Penguins, before starting his broadcast career.