Eddie Olczyk is stepping away from Kraken broadcasts. He’ll now focus solely on national TNT coverage.
What We Know: Olczyk is leaving his role as Kraken color analyst after four seasons alongside play-by-play voice John Forslund. He spent two decades calling local NHL games, first for the Blackhawks and then the Kraken, before adding national TNT work. With his 60th birthday approaching next month, Olczyk wants more time at his Chicago-area home with family. In addition, JT Brown will now become the lone primary analyst next to Forslund, restoring the pairing that opened the franchise’s first season.
What They Said: Eddie Olczyk: “It just comes to a point where you have to make a decision. It’s been in the making, and I just thought this was the time that I wanted to be home more.”
Eddie Olczyk: “Everything has revolved around my hockey career since 1988 when I got married to my wife. Everything has been centered around my schedule. Well, that’s changing. And now’s the time.”
Eddie Olczyk: “It just got to a point where with my family, everything has been based around my cycle and my life. And the most respectful way of going about it from here is, I’m not going to be selfish anymore. I know what needs to happen.”
What Remains Unclear: Olczyk’s upcoming schedule with TNT Sports is unknown. Moreover, questions may linger about his work with NBC Sports’ coverage of the triple crown.
What It Means: Ultimately, this shift underscores the physical toll of dual-market broadcasting careers, even for beloved veterans. Consequently, the Kraken return to a leaner two-man booth, leaning on Brown and Forslund’s established chemistry. Meanwhile, Olczyk stays visible nationally through TNT, preserving his broader NHL media presence. Overall, family, not fatigue with hockey itself, appears to be driving this transition. Olcyzk’s work elevating the game both on a local and national level for many years is a credit to his dedication to the sport.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.