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Former NHL player, coach, and beloved ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose has died at the age of 70. Melrose, known for his distinctive voice and charismatic personality, passed away after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023, which led to his retirement from ESPN, where he had worked since 1996.
Melrose's career in hockey spanned over 50 years, beginning as a defenseman in the NHL and World Hockey Association (WHA). He played 300 NHL games with teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings, and 178 games in the WHA with the Cincinnati Stingers. After retiring as a player, Melrose transitioned to coaching, where he found success leading the Medicine Hat Tigers to the WHL's Memorial Cup and the Adirondack Red Wings to the AHL's Calder Cup.
In 1992, Melrose took the helm of the Los Angeles Kings, guiding them to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season with the legendary Wayne Gretzky. Despite his initial success, he was fired after three seasons. He briefly returned to coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008 but was dismissed after 16 games.
Melrose's most enduring legacy may be his role as a studio analyst for ESPN, where he became a household name for hockey fans. Known for his candid observations and trademark mullet, Melrose was a staple of ESPN's hockey coverage, including All-Star Games and Stanley Cup playoffs. His colleagues, including Steve Levy and John Buccigross, remembered him as a family man and a cherished friend.
ESPN released a statement honoring Melrose's contributions, saying, "For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey. His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing, and his passion was unmistakable." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also paid tribute, noting Melrose's impact on the game and his unmistakable presence.
Melrose is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two sons, Tyrell and Adrien.