Former NHL Coach, ESPN Broadcaster Barry Melrose Dies at 70

Barry Melrose, the former NHL player and coach who became one of hockey’s most recognizable television analysts, has died at 70, his wife, Cindy, confirmed to ESPN. Best known for coaching the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final and for his distinctive suits, mullet and witty commentary, Melrose joined ESPN in 1996 and became a beloved fixture on its NHL coverage. His career also included playing for Detroit and coaching the organization’s top minor-league affiliate, where he helped guide the team to a championship. Melrose retired from ESPN in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, ending more than five decades in hockey. Colleagues and hockey figures, including John Buccigross and Wayne Gretzky, honored him as a deeply valued ambassador for the sport.