It is time for the Chicago Blackhawks to return Ed Olczyk to the organization, regardless of the role.
On July 28th, the Seattle Kraken announced that Ed Olczyk is leaving their broadcast booth. He had served as their color analyst, but is now set to simply be the main guy on TNT's national broadcasts.
This is a loss for the Kraken, as Olczyk is one of the most talented color commentators in the world. The way he breaks down hockey is second to none.
Would the Chicago Blackhawks consider bringing him back to their broadcast booth, even if it is for a portion of the schedule rather than the whole season?
Danny Wirtz saw his father make a similar move with Pat Foley back in the day, and now he has the chance to do the same thing with Olczyk, who has yet to work with CHSN following the departure of NBC Sports Chicago.
Olczyk is synonymous with the Blackhawks due to the fact that he is an Illinois native, was drafted by and played for the team, and was one of their broadcasters during their dynasty era. A return to the booth in the same season that Patrick Kane is returning would rejuvenate the television fanbase.
On Thursday, ESPN 1000 co-host David Kaplan was on his morning show, "Kap and J-Hood," and mentioned that it is time to bring Olczyk back to the organization. Kaplan, a close personal friend of Olczyk, had this to say:
"Jamie Faulkner, Danny Wirtz, get it done. Get him home," Kaplan said. "He doesn't have to do every game. Just get him back in the fold. He's Eddie Olczyk for crying out loud. He's beloved by the fan base. He bleeds Blackhawk. Yes. Get it done. That'd be amazing"
Nobody knows if Olczyk would even want to do that, but it's a job that wouldn't take him away from his family as much as being out in Seattle did. If he's interested, it is a no-brainer for the powers that be within the Chicago Blackhawks and CHSN.
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