League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Former NHL coach and ESPN analyst Barry Melrose dies at age 70

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 3:28 PM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Former NHL coach and ESPN analyst Barry Melrose dies at age 70

Summary

Barry Melrose, a former NHL player, coach, and longtime television analyst, died at age 70. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and ESPN confirmed the news on September 10, 2026. Melrose, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, retired from his broadcasting role in October 2023. His professional career included time as a defenseman for teams such as the Winnipeg Jets and Detroit Red Wings before moving into coaching, where he led the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. Following his coaching career, he spent nearly 30 years as a primary voice for hockey coverage on ESPN. Tributes from colleagues and peers credited his influence in promoting the sport and his distinctive approach to commentary.

Source Links

TribLIVE Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Barry Melrose died at age 70 following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
•He coached the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final.
•Melrose spent nearly 30 years as a lead hockey analyst for ESPN.
•He played for several NHL teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
•His retirement from public life was announced in October 2023.

Latest Updates

7:47 PMTribLIVE — Mark Madden: Barry Melrose brought hockey to life in America - TribLIVE.com
3:28 PMYahoo Sports — RIP Barry Melrose, the icon who made hockey fun and relatable for a generation
11:38 AMYahoo Sports — Barry Melrose Dies at 70: Tributes Pour in for NHL Legend

What they're saying

"
Barry Melrose should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Should have been inducted while he was still alive. Melrose passed away Wednesday. He was 70. Melrose was a great man. I’ll eulogize him as such a bit later in this space. But first, let’s stick …
— TribLIVEby Mark Madden