Barry Melrose, beloved NHL broadcaster, dies aged 70 after Parkinson's battle

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. He was 70.

Melrose’s better half Cindy confirmed the news to the network's broadcaster Steve Levy.

Melrose had been battling with Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2023 that forced him to relinquish his broadcasting career that spanned over 25 years.

Melrose, a household name known for his quick wit, flashy suits, and instant head-turner of a goatee, greased-back hair and a mullet, which made him one of the most beloved personalities among hockey fans globally.

He had regularly appeared on the network’s NHL broadcasts alongside his longtime colleagues, Steve Levy and John Buccigross, in All-Star Games, Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Cup Final.

Melsore colleagues and fans worldwide have been pouring tributes since the news surfaced on social media.

His former colleague Buccigross shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly called Twitter), calling Barry his “best friend at ESPN” while expressing his shock at the news, adding, “I am shock to my core, learning of his shocking death today while at a hockey rink in Las Vegas. A more beloved ESPN institution there has not been. We love you, Barry. Forever.”

Besides a buzzing broadcasting career, he had been 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, though, took a brief pause from ESPN in 2008 to resume the 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.