Barry Melrose, a prominent figure in professional hockey as both a player and coach, has passed away at age 70. His wife, Cindy, confirmed the death to ESPN on Wednesday. Throughout his extensive career, Melrose became recognized as one of hockey’s most recognizable and authoritative commentators, earning praise for his deep understanding of the sport and candid perspective.
Melrose’s hockey journey began when the Montreal Canadiens selected him in the 1976 NHL Draft. He made his professional debut with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979 and subsequently played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings until his retirement from playing in 1986. As a coach, he gained notable recognition for leading the Los Angeles Kings from 1992 to 1995, including guiding the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993 while working with legendary player Wayne Gretzky.
In 1996, Melrose transitioned to broadcasting, joining ESPN as a hockey analyst where he remained a fixture for decades. His entertaining style and magnetic personality made him integral to the network’s hockey programming. Melrose stepped away from ESPN following a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2023. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Tyrell and Adrien.
Originally reported by Variety →
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