(Chicago, IL) — Longtime Blackhawks color commentator Eddie Olczyk is not returning to the booth this coming season. After 16 years in the booth, it appears Olczyk and the Blackhawks have failed to come to terms on a new contract. Olczyk is a Chicago-native who was drafted by the Blackhawks in 1984 and played his first three years and his last two years in the league in Chicago. After retiring in 2000, Olczyk moved to the broadcast booth in 2006 and has been with the franchise since.
The Athletic reports Olczyk will be joining Seattle’s broadcast team. Chicago released a statement on Monday saying that Olczyk “will always be part of the Blackhawks family.” Olczyk’s contract with Chicago expired last month, but the team had reportedly expected him to return on a new deal.
***Story and photo courtesy of 24/7 New Source***
