Thanks to Mlive for this:
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Former Detroit Red Wings defensemen and hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios has joined ESPN as an NHL analyst.
Chelios, who won two Stanley Cups with the Red Wings during his 10-year tenure, joins a roster of analysts that includes fellow Hall of Famer Mark Messier, Ray Ferraro, Brian Boucher, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Kevin Weekes, Ryan Callahan, A.J. Mleczko, Rick DiPietro, Hilary Knight and former NHL player and coach, and ESPN legend, Barry Melrose.
ESPN will begin broadcasting the league in the 2021-22 season as part of a rights deal that will last through the 2027-28 season. The NHL last aired on ESPN in 2004.
“This new and groundbreaking lineup will bring the NHL to an expanding legion of passionate fans,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content.
“We set out to put together a roster that would excite, engage and educate the entire range of fans – from diehard to casual – while inspiring the next generation. With this lineup, we believe we have done just that. We could not be more excited to welcome this talented and diverse group to the ESPN hockey family.”
Chelios played 26 seasons in the NHL before retiring as the all-time leader in games played as a defenseman. During that time, he won three Stanley Cups and was awarded the Norris Trophy three times as the NHL’s best defenseman.
In addition to his NHL play, Chelios was a member of Team USA in four Winter Olympic Games, including captaining the 2002 silver medal team. He also served as an assistant coach for the 2018 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey team.
Most recently serving as an ambassador to the Chicago Blackhawks, Chelios has also worked as an analyst for ESPN calling the World Cup of Hockey. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
ESPN’s play-by-play commentary will be led by the award-winning Sean McDonough, with Steve Levy leading the studio team and calling several games throughout the season.
John Buccigross, Bob Wischusen and Leah Hextall will also add their voices to play-by-play.
