Eddie Olczyk diagnosed with colon cancer

Former NHL player, coach, and current NHL on NBC color commentator Eddie Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer, he announced Tuesday.

He's already undergone surgery to remove a tumor following his diagnosis last week and "will be undergoing further treatment in the coming weeks, including chemotherapy," according to Chicago Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry.

"I have been working with outstanding health care professionals and expect to be back in the broadcast booth after I complete my treatment," Olczyk said in a statement. "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. "

The Blackhawks made Olczyk the third overall pick in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the first three seasons of his NHL career with the organization, then returned to the Windy City for the last two years of his career.

In his 1,031 NHL games, Olczyk also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 342 goals and compiling 794 points.

In his post-playing career, Olczyk coached the Penguins for the 2003-04 season, but was let go midway through the 2005-06 campaign.

Among today's fans, Olczyk is best known for being the lead color commentator for the NHL on NBC alongside Mike "Doc" Emrick.

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