Barry Melrose, former NHL player-turned-coach and broadcaster, dead at 70

Barry Melrose, a hockey player-turned-coach who led the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup final before going on to a long career in broadcasting the sport, has died. He was 70.

ESPN announced Melrose's death Wednesday after his wife informed the network.

"From the flowing locks of his distinctive mullet to the flared lapels of his trademark long suit coats, Barry Melrose cut an unmistakable figure whenever you were fortunate enough to run into him at a rink or catch him on your television screen," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "You were even more fortunate if you engaged him in conversation or listened to his analysis because he never failed to boost your love of the game of hockey."

Melrose stepped away from his analyst role in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Wayne Gretzky at the time said Melrose was "bigger than any team."

Melrose had a relatable everyman broadcasting style, bringing a sense of humour to his insights, and was easily recognized by his goatee and slicked-backed hair.

"For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey," ESPN said in a statement. "His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing and his passion was unmistakable."

From rural Kelvington, Sask., Melrose broke into professional hockey with the Cincinnati Stingers of the now-defunct World Hockey Association in 1976. He played three seasons in Cincinnati, the last alongside a young Mark Messier, and after the WHA folded, made the transition to the NHL with Winnipeg in 1979.

Melrose went on to play for Toronto and Detroit, where he ended his career after the 1985-86 season.

He finished with 10 goals, 33 points and 728 penalty minutes in 300 career NHL