JT Brown retires from NHL, joins Seattle Kraken broadcast

Posted June 21, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) - The Seattle Kraken have hired former NHL forward JT Brown as the television analyst for their inaugural season, the team announced Monday.

Brown has not played in the NHL since the 2018-19 season with Minnesota. He spent the past year playing with Bjorkloven in Sweden. His announcement that he is joining the broadcast team in Seattle was made simultaneously with his announcement that he's retiring from playing.

Brown will be paired with veteran television announcer John Forslund on Kraken broadcasts.

'œIt was a big decision to hang up my skates, but one that was made easier by the opportunity to work alongside John Forslund for the Seattle Kraken,'ť Brown said. 'œI am excited for the opportunity to continue my career within the hockey world and to join an organization that is dedicated to making forward progress within the sport, and I look forward to the ability to make a lasting impact on the game I've loved for over 25 years.'ť

Brown spent parts of seven seasons in the NHL with Tampa Bay, Anaheim and Minnesota. His best season came in 2015-16 when he had career highs in points, games and ice time with the Lightning.

Off the ice, Brown has been a major supporter of increasing diversity and inclusion in hockey. Brown has supported the 'œBlack Girl Hockey Club'ť that works to make hockey more inclusive for Black women and girls, and has used his presence as a Twitch streamer to raise funds for the NHL's 'œHockey is for Everyone'ť campaign.

Brown was named to the NHL's 'œFan Inclusion Committee'ť in 2020.

Brown made headlines in 2017 when he raised his fist during the national anthem during Tampa Bay's first road game in an effort to highlight racial inequality. It was believed to be the first known demonstration of any kind during the anthem in an NHL regular-season game. Brown later said he received death threats after the demonstration.

'œOff the ice, JT's values and dedication to the community reflect our own and we know he will be a great addition,'ť Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said.

___

More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

FILE - Tampa Bay Lightning right wing J.T. Brown, center, raises his fist in the air during the singing of the National Anthem before the start of an NHL hockey game between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning in Sunrise, Fla., in this Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, file photo. The Seattle Kraken has hired NHL forward JT Brown as the television analyst for its inaugural season, the team announced Monday, June 21, 2021. Brown made headlines in 2017 when he raised his fist during the national anthem during Tampa Bay's first road game in an effort to highlight racial inequality. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Hockey NHL Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.