Former Red Wings defenseman and analyst Barry Melrose dies at age 70

Barry Melrose, a former NHL defenseman and long-time ESPN hockey analyst, died Wednesday at the age of 70. His wife, Cindy, confirmed the death following his 2023 diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. During his professional career, Melrose played for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. He later moved into coaching, leading the Adirondack Red Wings to a Calder Cup title in 1991 before coaching the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. Melrose eventually transitioned to broadcasting, spending more than 25 years with ESPN as a prominent voice in the sport's coverage. He also held a brief coaching stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008 before returning to his role as a television analyst.

• 8:22 AMYahoo Sports — Former Red Wings Defenseman, Beloved ESPN Analyst Dies at 70