A playing career built in the WHA and NHL
Born in rural Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Barry Melrose began his professional hockey career in 1976 with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association. He spent three seasons in Cincinnati, the last of which he played alongside a young Mark Messier. After the WHA folded, Melrose moved to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979. He later suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings, where he ended his playing days after the 1985-86 season. In 300 NHL regular-season games, he recorded 10 goals, 33 points and 728 penalty minutes, adding seven playoff appearances. His WHA statistics with Cincinnati included five goals, 32 points and 343 penalty minutes in 178 games.[S1]
Coaching success and the 1993 Stanley Cup run
Melrose transitioned into coaching and in 1992 led the Adirondack Red Wings to the American Hockey League's Calder Cup championship. The following year, the Los Angeles Kings hired him, and he brought both colorful flair and immediate results to the team. In his rookie season behind the bench, he coached a Kings squad featuring Wayne Gretzky on a memorable playoff run that reached the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Over two-plus seasons in Los Angeles, Melrose compiled a record of 79 wins, 101 losses and 29 ties before being fired midway through the 1994-95 season.[S1]
Broadcasting career and later coaching stint
ESPN hired Melrose in 1996, launching a long broadcasting career. He left the network for a brief return to coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning during Steven Stamkos' rookie season in 2008-09. That stint lasted only 16 games, ending after a 5-7-4 start, and he soon returned to television. Melrose stepped away from his analyst role in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. At the time, Wayne Gretzky said Melrose was bigger than any team. ESPN announced his death on Wednesday after his wife informed the network. He was 70.[S1]
Tributes and a distinctive presence
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Melrose's unmistakable appearance and his ability to deepen fans' love of hockey through conversation and analysis. ESPN described him as one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in the sport, noting his deep knowledge, refreshing candor and unmistakable passion. Melrose was also known for his long-ball hitting in fast-pitch softball, joining fellow Kelvington-area NHL players Wendel Clark, Joey Kocur, Kelly Chase and Kevin Kaminski in offseason games in Saskatchewan on what some called the toughest team there ever was.[S1]
