Barry Melrose, the vibrant NHL analyst who spent nearly three decades at ESPN, is retiring due to a diagnosis of Parkinson"s disease. Melrose, 67, made this announcement on the first day of the 2023-24 NHL season. In his statement, he expressed deep gratitude for his remarkable career in hockey, both as a player and an analyst. He also acknowledged the support of his wife, Cindy, and his family, and emphasized the importance of focusing on his health.
Melrose, originally from Kelvington, Saskatchewan, had a noteworthy career as an NHL defenseman, playing for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. He then played in the World Hockey Association for three seasons. As a coach known for his distinctive style, which included his iconic mullet and flashy suits, Melrose guided the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993 during his three-season coaching stint.
Barry Melrose stepping away from ESPN after Parkinson’s diagnosis https://t.co/9e6R4fmGdc pic.twitter.com/mwY3vsE2pZ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 10, 2023
Wayne Gretzky, who was part of Melrose"s Kings team, paid tribute to him, emphasizing the profound impact Melrose had on the hockey community. Melrose"s contributions to the sport extended beyond any one team; he was like a conductor of a finely tuned orchestra, shaping the hockey community.
Barry Melrose joined ESPN in 1994 and became a full-time analyst in 1996. He briefly returned to coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008 but resumed his television career in 2009. Melrose"s coaching record in the NHL was 84-108-29.
On Tuesday, his colleague at ESPN, John Buccigross, described him as having a “razor-sharp wit," acknowledging his enduring influence on the world of hockey.
For the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, Melrose was absent from his customary coverage, marking the first time he had missed the league"s championship series in quite a while.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared a statement in which he described Melrose as a truly distinctive and unparalleled individual. He noted that hockey on ESPN would undoubtedly lack the same flair in his absence. Bettman also emphasized Melrose"s evident and contagious passion for the sport, and how engaging in a conversation with him inevitably brought a smile to your face. Everyone in the realm of sports as well as fans is wishing him well for his future and health.
