Poll: Who Is the Best Hockey Analyst on Television?

It is a very underrated debate that spans across both the United States and Canada-who is the best hockey analyst on T.V.? There is such a wide variety of personalities across networks such as NBC, Sportsnet, TSN, and NHL Network, that there really isn’t one standout guy who is above the rest.
Let’s take a look at some of the options (all Twitter numbers are as of October 17,2014) and then vote at the end:

Pierre LeBrun

Network(s): TSN

Twitter Followers: 397K

LeBrun has been a prominent hockey panelist/journalist since the early 2000s, when he covered the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. After stints with Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC), he is now with TSN. He was acclaimed for his coverage on the NHL lockout in 2005.

Billy Jaffe

Network(s): NESN, NHL Network, Sportsnet

Twitter Followers: 24.5K

After spending a few years serving as both a radio and television analyst to Chicago Blackhawks and later Atlanta Thrashers games, Jaffe worked for NHL on Versus for five years as both a color analyst and reporter. He recently joined NESN and also works part-time for Sportsnet in Canada. Although not known too much outside of New England, Jaffe has a very strong reputation and has earned respect from around the hockey world.

Kevin Weekes

Network(s): NHL Network

Twitter Followers: 176K

After a solid NHL career as a goalie, Weekes spent a few years as an analyst for Hockey Night in Canada. He was well-mannered and earned respect from other analysts, but recently was replaced and now works for NHL Network.

Eddie Olczyk

Network(s): NBC

Twitter Followers: N/A

As the lead analyst for NHL on NBC, Olczyk is one of the most widely-known figures in hockey commentary. He is a former NHL player and has great communicating skills on T.V.

Darren Dreger

Netowork(s): TSN, NBC

Twitter Followers: 595K

‘Dregs’ is arguably the best insider in the hockey world. Every time he reports something, it is right, and he is usually the first reporter to do so. However, he gives his own detailed opinions on hockey topics as well.

Don Cherry

Netowork(s): Sportsnet

Twitter Followers: 452K

Love him or hate him, ‘Grapes’ is the most experienced hockey analyst in the game. His confidence level is very high, which is good for analysts, but he also usually thinks things through carefully before speaking an opinion. Although he is only on T.V. once a week (along with some segments on Sportsnet Radio), his show, Coach’s Corner, is worth waiting for.

Blue Jacket Prospects Win Traverse City Tournament: Who Stood Out?

Union and Blue

Fantasy Hockey: Potential Calgary Flames sleeper picksFlame for Thought

3 Oilers Players Who Should See An Expanded Role In 2023 And 1 Who Should NotOil On Whyte

Do the Tampa Bay Lightning provide Tyler Motte with career stability?Bolts by the Bay

Recapping day one of NY Islanders rookie campEyes On Isles

Could Flames Goalie Dan Vladar Be A Trade Option for the Avalanche?Flame for Thought

Jeremy Roenick

Netowork(s): NBC

Twitter Followers: 232K

After spending a few years with TSN on various hockey-related shows, Roenick worked as an analyst for NBC during the 2010 Winter Olympics. From then on, he has become a very cool/funny character for NBC.

Bob McKenzie

Network(s): TSN, NBC

Twitter Followers: 804K

McKenzie has a huge following on Twitter and is probably the most respected analyst in hockey. His experience and occasional sense of humour make him so likable.

Nick Kypreos

Netowrk(s): Sportsnet

Twitter Followers: 217K

Kypreos will have a larger role with Sportsnet after their acquisition of NHL games. The former enforcer will be seen on national television in Canada on a consistent basis for the first time this year.

Elliotte Friedman

Network(s): Sportsnet

Twitter Followers: 179K

He is Sportsnet’s equivalent to TSN’s Darren Dreger. Friedman provides the inside scoop on news stories through his connections around the league, but also inputs his opinion sometimes.

Mike Milbury

Netowrk(s): NBC

Twitter Followers: N/A

Touted as USA’s Don Cherry, Milbury is not afraid to say anything and certainly has a lot of haters. However, how can you be an analyst without criticism?