Barry Melrose, former NHL player-turned coach and an ESPN staple for over 25 years as a beloved NHL analyst, died on Wednesday, September 9. Melrose's wife, Cindy, confirmed that he had been battling Parkinson's disease since his diagnosis in 2023, which forced him to relinquish his broadcasting career spanning over 25 years.
Melrose, a household name known for his quick wit, flashy suits, and signature goatee, greased-back hair, and mullet, was one of the most beloved personalities among hockey fans globally. He regularly appeared on the network's NHL broadcasts alongside his longtime colleagues, Steve Levy and John Buccigross, covering All-Star Games, Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Cup Final.
Colleagues and fans worldwide have been pouring in tributes since. His former colleague Buccigross shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), calling Barry his "best friend at ESPN" while expressing his shock and stating that there has never been a more beloved ESPN institution. Forever.
Besides a bustling broadcasting career, he was an NHL player and later assumed a coaching role for the Los Angeles Kings. He led the side to qualify for the Stanley Cup Final in the first of his three seasons from 1992 to 1995. Melrose, however, took a brief pause from ESPN in 2008 to resume a coaching assignment for the Tampa Bay Lightning for 16 games. Across his entire head coaching career, his teams won 84 games, lost 108, and drew 29. Melrose is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two sons, Tyrell and Adrien.