Scott Rovak – USA TODAY Sports
Fox Sports Detroit, the primary broadcaster of Detroit Red Wings hockey, has brought on one of the team’s former stars to replace Larry Murphy, another one of the team’s former stars who was let go unexpectedly during the lockout-shortened 2013 season. Starting with preseason games in September, three-time Stanley Cup winning goaltender Chris Osgood will join Mickey Redmond and Ken Daniels as part of the broadcast team, working in the studio and joining Daniels in the booth for select games.
Like Murphy before him, Osgood brings the unique perspective of a former player and should be a great fit for the network. Murphy’s departure did not go over well with fans, especially since a clear reason for his being let go was never provided. In his 17- season career, Osgood was part of three championship teams and is one of only 10 goaltenders to win 400 games. The Red Wings’ third round draft pick in 1991, he also played for the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders.
Osgood becomes the second former player to announce a move to the broadcast booth this summer, as Chris Chelios will join Fox Sports 1 for coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Both have been part of the Red Wings’ player development staff, and their work with the young defense and goaltending prospects in the system had a big impact on helping the Grand Rapids Griffins bring home the AHL’s Calder Cup championship last season. There has so far been no word from the team concerning whether Osgood’s position will be filled for the coming season.
Jonathan Katje is an NHL featured columnist for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your circles on Google Plus.
