What happened to Barry Melrose? What we know on NHL, ESPN legend
NHL legend Barry Melrose has died at 70.
Barry Melrose, the NHL player, coach, and ESPN commentator, passed away at the age of 70, as confirmed by his wife Cindy to ESPN's Steve Levy on Wednesday. Known for his storied career in hockey, Melrose had a successful playing run with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings, and later coached the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final.
After his playing days, Melrose found fame as one of ESPN's leading NHL commentators. He began his television career in 1996 and remained with ESPN until his retirement in 2023 due to a Parkinson's diagnosis. ESPN's statement on Melrose's death praised his deep knowledge of the game, refreshing candor, and unmistakable passion, describing him as a foundational part of ESPN's hockey coverage.
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