Barry Melrose: NHL Coach and Analyst Passes Away at 70

Barry Melrose, a renowned figure in the hockey world, has passed away at the age of 70. ESPN announced his death, which followed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2023, prompting him to leave broadcasting earlier that year.

Born on July 15, 1956, in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1976 NHL Draft. He started his career professionally with the Cincinnati Stingers in the World Hockey Association (WHA), where he played for three seasons before the organization dissolved. He then transitioned to the NHL, debuting with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979, and subsequently played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

A defenseman predominantly known for his defensive skills rather than scoring, Melrose participated in 300 NHL games, securing 10 goals and 33 points. He also amassed 728 penalty minutes. His WHA career included five goals and 32 points across 178 games.

Melrose’s coaching career advanced quickly. Beginning with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 1987, he won the Memorial Cup during his initial season as a coach. He later managed the Seattle Thunderbirds and Adirondack Red Wings, leading Adirondack to secure the 1992 Calder Cup championship. His significant success came when he coached the Los Angeles Kings.

Appointed by the Kings in the 1992-93 season, Melrose played a crucial role in transforming the team which was led by Wayne Gretzky. Under his guidance, the Kings advanced through the playoffs into the Stanley Cup Final in his first season. The team defeated Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto before losing to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Melrose coached the Kings for two more seasons, but the team missed the playoffs both times, leading to his departure from the organization.

Barry Melrose’s career took a defining turn as he joined ESPN in 1996. For 27 years, he served as a studio and game analyst, known for his extensive hockey knowledge, candidness, humor, distinctive mullet, and flashy suits. He regularly covered All-Star Games, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Finals alongside notable colleagues Steve Levy and John Buccigross.

“Barry was my best friend at ESPN,” John Buccigross expressed on Twitter/X. “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.”

Melrose briefly left ESPN in 2008 to coach the Tampa Bay Lightning, but returned after being dismissed following a record of 5-7-4 in the team’s start. He remained with ESPN until retiring in 2023.

Bill Hofheimer, ESPN’s vice president of public relations, remarked on Twitter/X: “Barry Melrose was beloved by our team at ESPN and throughout the hockey community. He worked for ESPN for nearly three decades. He loved the sport and brought so much enjoyment to fans.”

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