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

Barry Melrose, a longtime NHL analyst and former professional player, died Wednesday at age 70. His wife, Cindy, confirmed the news to ESPN. Melrose played as a defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings during an NHL career that lasted until 1986. Following his retirement as a player, he transitioned into coaching, leading the Adirondack Red Wings to an AHL Calder Cup title and guiding the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. In 1996, he joined ESPN as a television analyst, where he remained a prominent figure in hockey broadcasting until his retirement in 2023. Melrose was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease prior to his departure from the network.

• 3:12 AMYahoo Sports — Before he was a TV Star, Melrose was a Red Wings defenseman