Barry Melrose, Versatile NHL Figure and Broadcaster, Dies at 70

Barry Melrose, a former NHL defenseman, head coach who guided the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, and a widely recognized television analyst, has died. He was 70. ESPN announced his passing on Wednesday, stating that his wife informed the network of his death.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute to Melrose’s distinctive presence and deep affection for hockey. “From the flowing locks of his distinctive mullet to the flared lapels of his trademark long suit coats, Barry Melrose cut an unmistakable figure,” Bettman said. He added that engaging with Melrose never failed to boost one’s love for the sport.

Melrose stepped down from his position as an NHL Network analyst in 2023 after receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. At the time, Wayne Gretzky praised his impact, stating that Melrose was “bigger than any team.”

Known for his goatee, slicked-back hair, and humorous, accessible commentary style, Melrose became one of hockey’s most trusted voices over several decades. ESPN described his passion as unmistakable and his candor as refreshing.

A native of Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose began his professional career in 1976 with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association (WHA). He spent three seasons in Cincinnati, where he played alongside a young Mark Messier, before transitioning to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979 following the WHA’s dissolution. He later played for Toronto and Detroit, retiring after the 1985-86 season.

Over 300 regular-season NHL games, Melrose recorded 10 goals, 33 points, and 728 penalty minutes, along with seven playoff appearances. In the WHA, he accumulated five goals, 32 points, and 343 penalty minutes in 178 games with Cincinnati.

After retiring as a player, Melrose found success in the AHL, leading the Adirondack Red Wings to the Calder Cup championship in 1992. The following year, he was hired by the Los Angeles Kings. In his inaugural season, he coached a squad featuring Gretzky to a memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final, where they fell to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Melrose compiled a record of 79 wins, 101 losses, and 29 ties during his two-plus years with the Kings before being dismissed mid-season in 1994-95.

Melrose joined the broadcasting staff at ESPN in 1996. He briefly returned to coaching in 2008-09 with the Tampa Bay Lightning during Steven Stamkos’ rookie year but was fired after 16 games with a 5-7-4 record, subsequently resuming his media career.

Beyond ice hockey, Melrose was an accomplished fast-pitch softball player. He reunited with other Kelvington-area natives—including Wendel Clark, Joey Kocur, Kelly Chase, and Kevin Kaminski—for offseason tournaments in Saskatchewan, forming a lineup some have referred to as the toughest amateur team ever assembled.