Barry Melrose, a notable NHL defenseman who led the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Final, passed away at 70. ESPN announced his death on Wednesday. Melrose had Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2023, which led him to retire from broadcasting that year.
Early Life and NHL Beginnings
Born on July 15, 1956, in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1976 NHL Draft. He started his professional career with the Cincinnati Stingers in the World Hockey Association, playing for three seasons until the WHA dissolved. Melrose then joined the NHL, debuting with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979 and later playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
As a defenseman, Melrose played primarily away from the puck. He participated in 300 NHL games, scoring 10 goals and 33 points, while racking up 728 penalty minutes. In the WHA, he notched five goals and 32 points over 178 games with Cincinnati.
Transition to Coaching
Melrose quickly rose to prominence as a coach. He began with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 1987, winning the Memorial Cup in his first season. His coaching journey continued with the Seattle Thunderbirds and Adirondack Red Wings, leading the latter to the 1992 Calder Cup championship.
The pivotal moment came in Los Angeles. Hired by the Kings for the 1992-93 season, Melrose transformed the team, powered by star Wayne Gretzky, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. The Kings triumphed over Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto before falling to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Melrose remained with the Kings for two more seasons, though the team missed the playoffs both times.
A New Stage at ESPN
For many American hockey fans, Melrose’s move to broadcasting defined his legacy. He joined ESPN in 1996, serving as a studio and game analyst for 27 years. Melrose was celebrated for his deep knowledge of the game, humor, distinctive mullet, and flamboyant suits. He covered numerous All-Star Games, Stanley Cup playoffs, and Stanley Cup Finals alongside Steve Levy and John Buccigross.
John Buccigross expressed his grief on Twitter/X, recalling Melrose as a cherished friend and mentor at ESPN, calling him a ‘rock-solid’ figure. He shared how hearing of Melrose’s passing while at a hockey rink seemed fitting, given Melrose’s lifelong dedication to the sport.
Return and Final Years
Melrose temporarily left ESPN in 2008 to coach the Tampa Bay Lightning, but his tenure was short after a 5-7-4 season start. He returned to ESPN, remaining there until his retirement in 2023. Bill Hofheimer, ESPN’s vice president of public relations, highlighted Melrose’s passion for hockey and his ability to bring joy to fans during his nearly 30-year stint with the network.
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