Former NHL coach and ESPN analyst Barry Melrose dies at age 69

ESPN announced the death of longtime hockey analyst and former coach Barry Melrose on Wednesday night. Melrose served as a studio analyst for the network for decades and became a familiar face in NHL coverage following his three-year tenure as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. He stepped away from his role at ESPN in 2023 after receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Colleagues and industry figures shared tributes describing his influence on hockey broadcasting and his personal character. ESPN personalities Steve Levy and John Buccigross, who frequently worked with Melrose, expressed their condolences and noted his significant impact on the sport. The announcement of his passing drew reactions from across the hockey community, including NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

• 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN colleagues pay tribute to Barry Melrose as ‘the best of us’