Kings broadcasting legend Bob Miller will have heart surgery

Broadcasting legend Bob Miller, the longtime voice of the Kings, will be taking a medical leave of absence, the team announced Wednesday.

Miller, who turned 77 in October, is scheduled to have heart bypass surgery. The Hall of Famer was calling games as recently as this past weekend, covering back-to-backs for Fox Sports West, at Arizona on Saturday and San Jose on Sunday.

“It is unfortunate that I have to miss Kings telecasts, but I have to get this taken care of as soon as possible,” Miller said in a statement.

“I know the telecasts will be in good hands and I hope to return to the TV booth as soon as my health allows.”

The beloved voice of the Kings is in his 43rd season with the organization.

In Miller’s absence, Nick Nickson will call the Kings games on TV with longtime analyst Jim Fox. Taking Nickson’s spot on radio (790) for play-by-play will be Jon Rosen, the team’s primary reporter for its website.

Nickson was honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame with the Foster Hewitt Award in November. He will not be at Wednesday night’s game against Colorado because of family matters.

Rosen will handle the radio play-by-play for the Avalanche game with analyst Daryl Evans.

The Kings-Colorado game is on NBC Sports Network on Wednesday, and the team’s next game after the All-Star break is Feb. 2 at Arizona.

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