Eddie Olczyk, a longtime voice of the Seattle Kraken’s broadcast team, announced that he will be stepping away after four seasons.
The move comes as the 48‑year‑old cites a desire to devote more time to his family, a factor that also shaped his recent schedule adjustments on national platforms such as TNT and various radio outlets.
A family‑first decision
Olczyk’s career spans more than two decades, beginning with a stint as a player‑turned‑color analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks before he joined the Kraken in the 2022‑23 season. His work on national telecasts for TNT and his radio contributions have been a staple for hockey fans across North America.
In a statement released to the media, Olczyk expressed deep gratitude to the Kraken organization and his colleagues, noting that the decision was not made lightly but is driven by the need to balance professional commitments with personal priorities.
The ripple effects of his departure are already evident within the franchise. His brother, Ricky Olczyk, serves as an assistant general manager, while his son Nick Olczyk spent two seasons on the Kraken’s broadcast crew before moving to the Utah Mammoth’s coverage in 2024. Another son, Eddie, now works as an amateur scout for the Kraken.
To fill the vacancy, the team has tapped JT Brown, who will assume the role of full‑time analyst alongside veteran play‑by‑play voice Johnny Forslund, ensuring continuity of the broadcast’s quality.