Barry Melrose, the former hockey player and coach who led the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final before establishing a lengthy broadcasting career, has passed away at age 70.
ESPN confirmed Melrose’s passing on Wednesday after receiving word from his wife. His hockey journey spanned from professional playing to coaching and eventually broadcasting, where he became one of the sport’s most recognizable voices.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman honored Melrose, noting his unique appearance and his talent for helping people appreciate hockey even more through his discussions and commentary.
Melrose stepped away from his analyst position in 2023 following a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Wayne Gretzky described him at that time as being “bigger than any team.”
Barry Melrose’s playing career
Melrose was raised in rural Kelvington, Saskatchewan, and launched his professional career with the Cincinnati Stingers of the now-defunct World Hockey Association in 1976.
He played three seasons with Cincinnati, including his final year alongside a young Mark Messier. After the WHA folded, Melrose transitioned to the NHL with Winnipeg in 1979.
He later suited up for Toronto and Detroit, wrapping up his playing days after the 1985-86 season. Across 300 NHL regular-season games, Melrose tallied 10 goals and 33 points while accumulating 728 penalty minutes. He also appeared in seven playoff contests.
His WHA statistics with Cincinnati included five goals, 32 points, and 343 penalty minutes over 178 games.
Barry Melrose guides Kings to Stanley Cup Final
Following the end of his playing career, Melrose transitioned into coaching and guided the Adirondack Red Wings to the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup championship in 1992.
A year later, he was brought in by the Los Angeles Kings and instantly helped the squad enjoy a memorable playoff run. The Kings, led by Gretzky, advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in Melrose’s debut season before falling to Montreal in five games.
Los Angeles had earned its final berth after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in an epic seven-game Campbell Conference Final. Gretzky delivered a standout performance in the deciding game at Maple Leaf Gardens.
The series also generated a memorable confrontation involving Melrose. After an open-ice hit by Kings enforcer Marty McSorley on Toronto star Doug Gilmour, Leafs coach Pat Burns tried to reach the Kings bench to confront Melrose.
Melrose’s overall record with Los Angeles was 79 wins, 101 losses, and 29 ties spanning more than two seasons. He was let go midway through the 1994-95 campaign.
Barry Melrose’s broadcasting career and legacy
Melrose joined ESPN in 1996 and built a reputation as a distinctive broadcaster, blending deep hockey expertise with humor and an relatable style. His goatee and slicked-back hair became part of his recognizable image.
ESPN remembered him as one of hockey’s most distinctive and trusted voices, commending his knowledge, honesty, and enthusiasm for the sport.
Melrose briefly returned to coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09, stepping away from broadcasting for the team’s season that featured Steven Stamkos’ rookie campaign. He was dismissed after 16 games following a 5-7-4 start and later returned to broadcasting.
Beyond hockey, Melrose was also recognized for his power hitting in fast-pitch softball. During the offseason in Saskatchewan, he teamed up with fellow NHL players from the Kelvington area, including Wendel Clark, Joey Kocur, Kelly Chase, and Kevin Kaminski, to form a squad that some referred to as “the toughest team there ever was.”