Barry Melrose, a former hockey player turned coach who guided the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup final and later pursued a successful broadcasting career in the sport, has passed away at the age of 70. ESPN confirmed Melrose’s demise on Wednesday after receiving the news from his wife.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman fondly remembered Melrose, highlighting his iconic style from his recognizable mullet to his distinctive long suit coats. Melrose, who retired from his analyst role in 2023 due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, was praised by Wayne Gretzky as being “larger than life.”
Known for his down-to-earth broadcasting approach, Melrose was easily identifiable by his goatee and slicked-back hair, bringing humor and insight to his analysis. ESPN expressed their condolences, acknowledging Melrose as a trusted voice in hockey with a deep knowledge and undeniable passion for the game.
Originally from Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose began his professional hockey career with the Cincinnati Stingers in 1976 before transitioning to the NHL with Winnipeg in 1979. After stints with Toronto and Detroit, Melrose ventured into coaching, leading the Adirondack Red Wings to an AHL Calder Cup title in 1992.
Joining the Los Angeles Kings in 1993, Melrose made an immediate impact, coaching the team to a memorable playoff run alongside Wayne Gretzky. Despite reaching the Stanley Cup final in his debut season, Melrose was eventually let go midway through the 1994-95 season after a mixed tenure.
Following his coaching career, Melrose joined ESPN in 1996 before briefly returning to coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09. His coaching stint with Tampa Bay was short-lived, leading to his return to broadcasting. Melrose was also recognized for his prowess in fast-pitch softball during the off-season, forming part of a formidable team with other NHL players from the Kelvington area.