Barry Melrose has died. The longtime ESPN hockey analyst was 70. Following his passing, tributes poured onto social media from all sections of sports media.
What We Know: Melrose died Wednesday according to ESPN. His wife, Cindy, told ESPN’s Steve Levy of his death. The former NHL player coached Wayne Gretzky’s Los Angeles Kings to their first Stanley Cup Final, then spent 27 years as an ESPN analyst starting in the 1990s. He stepped away from ESPN in 2023 after a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
What Remains Unclear: Officials, so far, have not announced memorial service details. ESPN and the NHL also have not said whether they plan a formal tribute at the beginning of the season.
What It Means: Melrose’s death closes an important chapter for ESPN’s hockey coverage, where his mullet, goatee and flashy suits became fan favorites. Alongside Levy, Linda Cohn and John Buccigross, he helped shape ESPN’s playoff and All-Star Game coverage for over two decades. Consequently, his absence leaves a distinct personality void heading into this year’s NHL coverage. His legacy, however, spans far beyond the desk — from Medicine Hat’s 1987 Memorial Cup title to Adirondack’s 1991 Calder Cup.
What They Said: Reaction to Melrose’s death on social media was quick. Sports media sharing their memories of personal and professional experiences with Melrose during his tenure both on and off the ice.
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