Last Updated on 25 seconds ago by Vijay Kumar
Barry Melrose, the former NHL player, coach and longtime ESPN hockey analyst, has died at the age of 70. His death was announced by ESPN on September 9, 2026, after his wife, Cindy, informed the network.
Melrose had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2023, after which he stepped away from his ESPN broadcasting career to focus on his health and family. Reports from AP state that he died from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Born on July 15, 1956, in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Canada, Melrose became one of the most recognizable personalities in professional hockey. His distinctive mullet, suits and energetic personality made him especially popular with hockey fans.
His death has prompted tributes from across the hockey community. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described Melrose as a unique figure whose enthusiasm helped strengthen fans’ love for the sport.
Barry Melrose began his professional hockey career with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association in 1976. After the WHA era, he moved to the NHL and played as a defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
He played 300 regular-season NHL games, recording 10 goals and 33 points. His playing career ended during the 1985–86 season.
After retiring as a player, Melrose moved into coaching. One of his biggest achievements came in 1992, when he guided the Adirondack Red Wings to the AHL Calder Cup championship.
In 1992–93, Melrose became head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, working with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. In his first season, he guided the Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, where they eventually lost to the Montreal Canadiens.
Melrose later had a brief coaching stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2008–09 season before returning to broadcasting.
His broadcasting career became his most recognizable chapter. He joined ESPN in 1996 and spent roughly 27 years as a hockey analyst, covering major NHL events including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final. He retired from ESPN in 2023 following his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Through his combination of hockey knowledge, humor and straightforward commentary, Melrose became one of the most familiar voices in American hockey broadcasting.
Barry Melrose is survived by his wife, Cindy, and their two sons, Tyrell and Adrien.
The NHL confirmed that Melrose’s family includes his wife Cindy and sons Tyrell and Adrien.
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