NBC analyst Eddie Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

Olczyk, who turns 51 next week, is said to be “recovering well” after having surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. According to Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry, Olczyk will continue to receive treatment over the coming weeks, which includes chemotherapy.

Olczyk expects to return to the broadcast booth.

“I have been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer and am currently undergoing treatment for the disease,” Olczyk said in a release on Tuesday. “I have been working with outstanding health care professionals and expect to be back in the broadcast booth after I complete my treatment. Having the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans means the world to me and will give me continued strength to beat this. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.”

Added Dr. Terry, “We look forward to his return to good health after the completion of his treatment.”

Affectionately nicknamed Edzo by teammates, Olczyk, a center, was selected third overall by the Blackhawks in the 1984 NHL Draft. Olczyk played 1,031 NHL games during his 16-year career, making stops in Chicago, Toronto, Winnipeg, New York (Rangers), Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh. Olczyk scored 342 goals and tallied 794 points during a career that spanned three decades (1984-2000).

After retiring as a player, Olczyk served as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from June 2003 to December 2005 before moving on to the broadcast booth. Olczyk is an analyst for NBC Sports’ national coverage of the NHL and Blackhawks games on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

“Eddie Olczyk is a treasured member of the Chicago Blackhawks family and we will be supportive of him as he fights this disease.” President & CEO John McDonough said. “We encourage our fans to keep him in their thoughts as we all look forward to having him back in good health as soon as possible.”

Olczyk is one of two former Penguins that make up NBC’s main three-man coverage team. Inside The Glass correspondent Pierre McGuire once served as an assistant coach under Scotty Bowman during the early 90s, winning a Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 1992. Mike Emrick, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, does the play-by-play.

It’s unknown when Olczyk may be back calling games. Dallas Stars play-by-play announcer Dave Strader was also recently diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer in his bile duct.

All of us from RMNB wish Olczyk a full and speedy recovery.

Headline photo: NHL