Former NHL forward JT Brown hired by Seattle Kraken as television analyst

Former NHL forward JT Brown was named a television analyst for the league's newest franchise in Seattle, the team announced Monday. 

Brown will join play-by-play announcer John Forslund in calling games on ROOT Sports Northwest for the Seattle Kraken's first season in 2021-22.

"What better way to retire, to stay in hockey, to go to a new, great organization and what they're trying to do," Brown said to NHL.com. "I believe they want to be a leader in diversity, whether that's racial diversity or gender diversity, on and off the ice with their hiring. That's something I really want to be part of. For me, I think all the stars have aligned and this is something that I was meant to do."

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The Kraken named Everett Fitzhugh as their radio play-by-play announcer in 2020, making him the NHL's first Black team broadcaster.

Brown became the first NHL player to protest during the national anthem when he raised a fist in 2017 to protest police brutality and racism. 

In a career that spanned 365 games from 2011-2019, Brown had 23 goals and 49 assists, while skating for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild.

The 30-year-old Brown said he will bring his knowledge and his personality to broadcasts.

"That's why they hired me," he said.