Former Maple Leafs' forward has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Chicago Blackhawks helped a former member of the Maple Leafs' make a very difficult announcement today.

According to a report from the Blackhawks official website, former Toronto Maple Leafs center Ed Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer. The announcement also revealed that Olczyk has already had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.

Olczyk, who played the better part of four seasons with the Leafs from 1987-19990, has released the following statement regarding his current condition:

I have been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer and am currently undergoing treatment for the disease. I have been working with outstanding health care professionals and expect to be back in the broadcast booth after I complete my treatment. Having the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans means the world to me and will give me continued strength to beat this. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.

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Olczyk is currently just 50-years-old and needless to say this has to be an incredibly difficult period for both he and his loved ones. We hope he will make both a fully and speedy recovery.