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

Longtime hockey analyst and former NHL coach Barry Melrose has died at age 70. His wife, Cindy, confirmed his passing on Wednesday to ESPN broadcaster Steve Levy. Melrose maintained a career spanning over 50 years as a player, coach, and television personality. He joined ESPN in 1996 and served as a central figure in the network's hockey coverage for nearly three decades before retiring in 2023 following a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. During his coaching tenure, he led the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993. Colleagues including John Buccigross and Steve Levy issued statements mourning his loss and reflecting on his significant influence on the sport of hockey in the United States.

• 12:19 PMYahoo Sports — Legendary ESPN broadcaster dies at 70: ‘He will be missed’