Barry Melrose Dies at 70 After Parkinson's Diagnosis, Former NHL Coach was Longtime ESPN Analyst

A staple of the hockey world died Wednesday.

Former NHL player, coach and analyst Barry Melrose died at the age of 70, per ESPN .

He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023.

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"For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey," ESPN said in a statement. "His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing, and his passion was unmistakable. He was a foundational part of ESPN's hockey coverage, and fans and teammates truly appreciated his entertaining delivery and charismatic personality.

"We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones. He always kept it interesting and he will be missed."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Melrose's death:

"From the flowing locks of his distinctive mullet to the flared lapels of his trademark long suit coats, Barry Melrose cut an unmistakable figure whenever you were fortunate enough to run into him at a rink or catch him on your television screen. You were even more fortunate if you engaged him in conversation or listened to his analysis, because he never failed to boost your love of the game of hockey.

"A rangy and rugged defenseman from Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Barry fashioned an 11-year pro career in the NHL, AHL and WHA. But it was as a coach, who guided the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, and as a broadcaster, who spent 27 years at ESPN, that he truly made his mark upon the game. And during those countless encounters over the years with players, coaches, fans and viewers who couldn't help but be drawn in by his enthusiasm.

"We mourn the passing of a hockey original. And we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Cindy, their sons, Tyrell and Adrien, and all of his teammates, colleagues and admirers around the hockey world."

While Melrose became a household name for a generation of hockey fans because of his analysis on ESPN, he first made his name in the game as a player.

He suited up for the Cincinnati Stingers in the WHA for three seasons before playing for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings in the NHL from the 1979-80 season through the 1985-86 one.

The defenseman appeared in 300 career NHL games.

Melrose then turned his attention to the coaching profession starting in 1987 when he directed the Medicine Hat Tigers to the WHL's Memorial Cup title. After that, he coached the Seattle Thunderbirds before he led the Adirondack Red Wings of the American Hockey League to the Calder Cup title in 1991.

He then coached Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings for three seasons from 1992-95 and led them to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season.

Following that coaching stint, he joined ESPN in 1996 and remained with the network until he coached the Tampa Bay Lightning for 16 games during the 2008-09 season.

Many younger fans who did not see him play or coach got to know Melrose as a broadcaster for ESPN.

"He was known for his witty personality, flashy suits and recognizable goatee, slicked-back hair and mullet, which endeared him to hockey fans worldwide," ESPN's announcement noted.

His former colleague, John Buccigross , also weighed in on Melrose's death on social media.

"Barry was my best friend at ESPN," Buccigross wrote. "A big brother figure of rock solid values. I am shook to my core. Barry gave his life to hockey and some of his ESPN family, like me, learned of his shocking death today while at a hockey rink in Las Vegas preparing for the upcoming season. Chilling and fitting—the rink was Barry's home. A more beloved ESPN institution there has not been. We love you, Barry. Forever."