Eddie Olcyzke explains why he decided to leave the Blackhawks booth

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Joshua Deeds
September 27, 2022 (8:54 PM)

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Eddie Olcyzk was the color commentator for the Chicago Blackhawks for the past 16 seasons and much like Alex DeBrincat, he's moved on. Olcyzk recently signed on with the Seattle Kraken for 5 years, as the new color commentator.

Olcyzk will be joining, JT Brown, and John Forslund in the booth in Seattle.

In the end, the Blackhawks made a contract offer to Olczyk, but the two couldn't agree to terms. Olczyk's contract with the Kraken is for five years, according to NBC Sports Chicago's Charlie Roumeliotis, and he will remain as TNT's lead NHL analyst, where he will call approximately 30 games this season.

Eddie's already got roots in the organization, as he will join his brother Ricky and son in Seattle, Ricky is currently the assistant general manager, and Eddie a scout.

So maybe this wasn't just about money in the long run, despite Rocky and Danny Wirtz wanting to lock Eddie into the Blackhawks commentating team for the long term.

"I'd like to thank Rocky and Danny Wirtz and the Blackhawks organization, as well as the fans, for all their incredible support over the years and for some unforgettable memories," Olczyk said. "I've known and worked with John for years and have known JT since he was starting his hockey career and could not be more excited to be working alongside the two of them."

Eddie was born and raised in Chicago and spent his first three years in the NHL in Chicago.

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