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Mark Messier Joining ESPN As NHL Analyst

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: Mark Messier #11 of the New York Rangers looks on before a NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals at MCI Center on January 15, 2003 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Hockey legend Mark Messier has signed a multi-year contract with ESPN to cover the network’s NHL analysis.

Messier will now provide a studio voice on hockey for ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Hulu.

Messier released a public statement on his newest deal, part of which reads:

“My passion for the game is as strong as it has ever been and I am looking forward to sharing that passion, plus my insights and analysis with the sport’s incredible fans. The NHL is beginning a new era with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company — with an exciting, evolving game and phenomenally talented players — and I am thrilled to be a part of the team.”

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Messier is as qualified as anyone to analyze the NHL. He is a Hall of Fame inductee, played for 25 years, netted 694 goals, collected 1,887 total points and is a five-time Stanley Cup champion.

ESPN vice president Norby Williamson stated, “As a six-time Stanley Cup Champion, he will bring incredible insight, knowledge and analysis to ESPN and The Walt Disney Company that will both resonate with fans, and connect more and more of them to the game and to the league.”

ESPN analysis and coverage of the NHL will begin for the 2021-2022 season for the first time since 2004.

David Metzger