With the idea that he can become the Charles Barkley of hockey, NBC will announce today that Brett Hull will be in its NHL studio.

The move creates almost a full circle for Hull, the Blues, NBC and the man he essentially is replacing – former Stanley Cup game analyst John Davidson.

The position in NBC’s studio became vacant when Davidson left to become the Blues president. To replace Davidson, NBC moved Eddie Olczyk from the studio to its top games.

Last night in St. Louis, Davidson and the Blues retired Hull’s No. 16. As a player, Hull, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, was very willing to speak out. NBC needs him to create a must-watch atmosphere for a sport that dearly needs to attract more than just its die-hards fans.

The Post reported Hull likely was headed to NBC’s NHL studio last month.