Eddie Olczyk, a longtime color analyst for the Kraken Hockey Network, revealed this week that he will be stepping away from his local broadcasting duties.
The decision, he said, is driven by the need to be closer to his wife and three children, who remain based in the Chicago area, while his wife and kids have been living apart for some time.
Olczyk, who joined the Kraken in September 2022 after a distinguished playing career, has been based part‑time in Bellevue, Washington, but will now focus on national assignments that continue to keep him in the spotlight.
The move clears the way for JT Brown to resume the primary color analyst role alongside veteran play‑by‑play voice John Forslund, ensuring continuity for the team’s live coverage.
Olczyk will remain active on national telecasts, but he has indicated that he has no immediate plans to take on another local position within the organization.
A Family Decision
In a statement, Olczyk emphasized that the choice was made with his family’s well‑being in mind, noting that the distance between Seattle and Chicago has been a constant factor in recent months.
His brother, Ricky Olczyk, who serves as an assistant general manager for the Kraken, praised Eddie’s contributions and said the family’s move reflects a new chapter for the household.