Former Chicago Blackhawks player Chris Chelios throws out a ceremonial first pitch prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN reportedly hiring Hall of Famer Chris Chelios for NHL coverage

ESPN is adding another Hall of Famer to its NHL coverage for the 2021-22 season and beyond. 

According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios will join Mark Messier as part of ESPN's top studio team. 

ESPN has also hired Ray Ferraro and Brian Boucher as analysts on games, Kevin Weekes as a studio and game analyst and Leah Hextall for play-by-play.

Chelios won the Stanley Cup three times, twice with the Red Wings and once with the Montreal Canadiens. The 59-year-old is a seven-time All-Star and won three Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenseman. In 1,651 games, Chelios tallied 185 goals and 763 assists. 

In addition to playing for the Red Wings and Canadiens, Chelios also spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers. 

The Illinois native has previously worked for ESPN as an analyst for the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. 

ABC/ESPN and TNT will take over national coverage of the NHL next season, with ABC/ESPN having four of the next seven Stanley Cups. 

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