Longtime Chicago Blackhawks' player, broadcaster Eddie Olczyk leaves organization

Yet another questionable move by the Chicago Blackhawks in what seems to be an extended period of decisions fans have hated. Eddie Olczyk, who played parts of five seasons with the team and has been their colour commentator for 16 years, has walked away from the organization. He's signed on with the Seattle Kraken after being one of the voices of the Blackhawks since 2006. The team was very surprised by the move.

"I'm told the Blackhawks were 'blindsided' by this news and expected Olczyk to be back. They had made a multi-year extension offer," said Mark Lazerus of The Athletic.

Lazerus added that Hawks' management is reaching out to other former players to see if anyone can fill the role before the new season starts.

Olczyk's contract was up at the end of 2021-22 season. The sticking point, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, was the Blackhawks' would not offer Olczyk a long-term deal, something the Kraken did. The outlet also states that Olczyk's son Nick, who did some radio and TV for Chicago, is leaving the Blackhawks as well.

Olczyk, a US Hockey Hall-of-Famer, was a fan favourite in the broadcast booth. Losing him follows a series of questionable moves from Chicago management, including the handling of the Kyle Beach situation, trading young stars and stars in-the-making while holding on to older ones, and doing very little to improve the team through free agency and trades. Chicago's front office has undergone an almost complete transformation over the past 12 to 16 months, either through firings or people leaving the team.

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