Barry Melrose, prominent NHL player, coach and broadcaster, dies at 70

Barry Melrose, a prominent figure in the world of hockey, has passed away at the age of 70. Known for his colorful broadcasting style and distinctive mullet, Melrose played a significant role in the sport as a player, coach, and analyst.

Melrose began his professional hockey career with the Cincinnati Stingers in the WHA in 1976, where he played alongside a young Mark Messier. After the WHA's demise, he transitioned to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979. Over his NHL career, Melrose played for Toronto and Detroit before retiring in 1986.

After his playing days, Melrose turned to coaching, leading the Adirondack Red Wings to victory in the 1992 American Hockey League Calder Cup. In 1993, he joined the Los Angeles Kings as a coach, where he helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in his first season. Despite his success on the bench, Melrose was fired mid-season in 1995 but later found work in broadcasting with ESPN.

In his broadcasting career, Melrose was recognized for his unique style, deep knowledge of the game, and refreshing candor. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023, leading to his retirement from the analyst role. Throughout his career, Melrose was celebrated as one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey.