NHL Icon Barry Melrose dead at 70

NHL Icon Barry Melrose dead at 70
Credit: Getty Images

Barry Melrose, one of hockey’s most recognizable personalities, has died.

Born in Saskatchewan, Melrose played 300 NHL games as a defenseman with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings before becoming a successful coach.

His greatest coaching achievement came in 1993, when he guided Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens.

Melrose later became an iconic ESPN analyst, known for his signature mullet, colorful personality and passionate hockey commentary. He retired from broadcasting in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

He was 70.