Barry Melrose, a former hockey player who transitioned into coaching and guided the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup final in 1993, has passed away at the age of 70. Following the news, ESPN confirmed his death on Wednesday, as reported by his wife.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman remarked, “From the flowing locks of his distinctive mullet to the flared lapels of his trademark long suit coats, Barry Melrose cut an unmistakable figure whenever you were fortunate enough to run into him at a rink or catch him on your television screen. You were even more fortunate if you engaged him in conversation or listened to his analysis because he never failed to boost your love of the game of hockey.”
In 2023, Melrose stepped back from his analyst role after receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. At that time, Wayne Gretzky expressed that Melrose was “bigger than any team.”
Known for his relatable broadcasting style, Melrose infused humor into his commentary and was easily identifiable by his goatee and slicked-back hairstyle.
ESPN released a statement saying, “For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey. His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing, and his passion was unmistakable.”
Barry Melrose returned behind an NHL bench as head coach for the first time in over 13 years on Sept. 20, 2008. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Originating from rural Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose entered professional hockey with the Cincinnati Stingers in the now-defunct World Hockey Association in 1976. He played three seasons in Cincinnati, the last of which was alongside a young Mark Messier. Following the WHA’s collapse, he transitioned to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979.
Melrose subsequently played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings, concluding his career after the 1985-86 season.
He concluded his NHL career with 10 goals, 33 points, and 728 penalty minutes across 300 regular-season games, in addition to playing seven playoff games. His WHA career stats include five goals, 32 points, and 343 penalty minutes from 178 games with Cincinnati.
Transitioning to coaching, Melrose led the Adirondack Red Wings to the Calder Cup championship in the American Hockey League in 1992.
The following year, he was appointed as head coach of the Kings, bringing an exciting flair and immediate success to Los Angeles. In his first season, he coached a Kings team that included Gretzky, achieving a notable playoff run that took them to the Stanley Cup final, where they ultimately fell to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
Melrose recorded a coaching record of 79 wins, 101 losses, and 29 ties over more than two seasons with the Kings before being dismissed midway through the 1994-95 season.
On this week’s episode, we look at the process of how NHL coaches lose their jobs.
In 1996, he joined ESPN, although he briefly returned to coaching the Tampa Bay Lightning during Steven Stamkos’ rookie season in 2008-09. Melrose was dismissed just 16 games into the season after a 5-7-4 start and subsequently returned to broadcasting.
Melrose was also recognized for his exceptional hitting ability in fast-pitch softball, teaming up with fellow NHL players from the Kelvington area, such as Wendel Clark, Joey Kocur, Kelly Chase, and Kevin Kaminski, during the off-season in Saskatchewan to create what many labeled as “the toughest team ever.”