3 minSports
Barry Melrose, former NHL coach and longtime ESPN analyst, dies at 70
Barry Melrose, who coached the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final and became one of hockey's most recognizable broadcasters during nearly three decades at ESPN, has died at 70 after a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Barry Melrose, the former NHL player and coach who led the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final and later became one of hockey's most recognizable television voices, has died. He was 70.
ESPN announced his death Wednesday after Melrose's wife, Cindy, notified Steve Lacy, a former network colleague. Melrose was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023, a development that prompted his retirement from broadcasting.
Melrose joined ESPN in 1996 and spent nearly three decades with the network, where his deep knowledge of the game, blunt assessments and unmistakable appearance made him a fixture of its hockey coverage. The network said in a statement that he was «one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey» and praised his candor, passion and entertaining delivery.
«He was a foundational part of ESPN's hockey coverage, and fans and teammates truly appreciated his entertaining delivery and charismatic personality,» the network said. «We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones. He always kept it interesting and he will be missed.»
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remembered Melrose as an unmistakable presence at rinks and on television, citing his distinctive mullet and trademark long suit coats. Bettman said anyone who spoke with Melrose or listened to his analysis came away with a greater love for hockey.
John Buccigross, a longtime ESPN colleague, wrote on social media that Melrose was his best friend at the network and a big-brother figure with rock-solid values. He said he learned of the death while at a hockey rink in Las Vegas preparing for the upcoming season, calling the setting chilling and fitting because the rink was Melrose's home.
Melrose stepped away from broadcasting in 2008 for a brief return to coaching, serving as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning for 16 games. He compiled an 84-108-29 record as an NHL head coach.
Born in rural Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose began his professional playing career with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association in 1976. He played three seasons in Cincinnati, the last alongside a young Mark Messier, before moving to the NHL with Winnipeg in 1979 after the WHA folded.
Melrose also played for Toronto and Detroit, finishing his NHL career after the 1985-86 season. He recorded 10 goals and 33 points with 728 penalty minutes in 300 career regular-season games, plus seven playoff appearances. In the WHA, he had five goals and 32 points with 343 penalty minutes in 178 games.
His broadcasting style was built on an everyman appeal, mixing humor with straightforward insight. That combination, along with his goatee and slicked-back hair, made him easily recognizable to viewers who followed the sport beyond a single market.
Melrose is survived by his wife, Cindy, and their two children.
