Eddie Olczyk, a 60‑year‑old former NHL player turned television analyst, announced that he will step away from his regular spot on the Kraken Hockey Network’s local telecasts. The decision, he said, is driven by a desire to spend more time with his wife Diana, their three sons, a daughter and his grandchildren.
A family‑first decision
Although he will no longer be a fixture in the Seattle‑based broadcast team, Olczyk will remain on the national stage, continuing his work for TNT. The move comes after a highly publicized battle with Stage 3 colon cancer nine years ago, a fight that left him grateful for his health and motivated to be present at home.
Olczyk’s career spans 1,031 NHL games, an Olympic appearance with Team USA in 1984, and coaching stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also built a personal connection to the Kraken organization through his brother Ricky, a Kraken assistant general manager, and through shared moments with his son Nick, a former Kraken broadcaster now with the Utah Mammoth.
John Forslund, who has paired with Olczyk on air for several seasons, expressed that he will miss their easy banter and the chemistry that developed over years of road trips. He noted that the transition will allow JT Brown, who has been learning on the job, to step into the permanent second analyst role alongside him.
Brown, reflecting on the upcoming change, said he will carry forward the unique on‑air chemistry that Olczyk helped create, while also embracing his own voice. He highlighted the importance of relationships in broadcasting and how Olczyk’s presence has shaped his own growth.
Olczyk concluded that the decision is about people above all else. He recalled the excitement of the Kraken’s second season, the near‑miss at the conference final, and the camaraderie that defined his time on the road. Now, he looks forward to turning his focus toward the family home he has long missed.