Barry Melrose, Legendary Kings Coach and ESPN Analyst, Dies at 70 Barry Melrose, former Los Angeles Kings coach, NHL player, and longtime ESPN analyst, passed away on Wednesday. The 70‑year‑old left a lasting legacy in hockey as a charismatic coach, insightful broadcaster, and influential figure in the sport's growth across the United States. The news covers his playing career in the WHA and NHL, his championship coaching in the AHL and NHL, his broadcasting tenure, and tributes from fellow hockey professionals that highlight his unique personality and enduring impact on the game. Barry Melrose, the former coach of the Los Angeles Kings and a longtime broadcaster, died on Wednesday at the age of seventy. The former player, who cut a distinctive figure with his trademark mullet and long jacket, had a storied career in hockey that spanned the World Hockey Association, the National Hockey League, coaching stints in the American Hockey League and in the NHL, and an extensive broadcasting tenure that ended after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023. Melrose's playing days began in 1976 when he signed with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association. He spent three seasons in Cincinnati, teaming with a young Mark Messier before the WHA folded. He then joined the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979, and later played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings.In a professional career that saw him post ten goals and 33 points along with 728 penalty minutes over 300 NHL regular‑season games-and a modest contribution in seven playoff contests-Melrose earned a reputation as a hard‑hitting, no‑nonsense forward who could be counted on for grit and determination. His WHA statistics were similarly rugged, with five goals and 32 points in 178 games. After hanging up his skates, Melrose turned to coaching.In 1992 he guided the Adirondack Red Wings to an AHL Calder Cup championship, a testament to his ability to develop talent and lead a team to victory. The following year he was hired by the Los Angeles Kings, where he brought colorful charisma and immediate competitive success to a franchise that was still establishing its identity. In his rookie season at L.A., he coached a Kings team featuring Wayne Gretzky in a memorable run that culminated in a 1993 Stanley Cup Final appearance. Although the Kings fell to the Montreal Canadiens in five games, Melrose's impact on the team and on the growth of hockey in the United States was undeniable. The Kings organization later celebrated his legacy, describing him as "one of the most influential figures in LA Kings history" and a beacon for the sport across North America.Melrose's post‑coaching career took him to ESPN in 1996, where he became a familiar and beloved analyst. He brought a relatable, everyman style to his commentary, often peppering his discussions with humor and unvarnished candor. In an era where many broadcasters relied on flashy graphics and polished delivery, Melrose's plainspoken insights resonated with casual fans and veterans alike.He eventually returned to coaching for a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning during Steven Stamos' rookie season, but the role ended after 16 games. He resumed broadcasting until health concerns forced him to step away. The hockey community mourned Melrose's passing. Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, praised Melrose's unique presence on and off the ice, highlighting the fond memories of his distinctive style.Former players and executives such as Rob Blake, Luc Robitaille, and Tony Granato shared personal recollections of Melrose's leadership and warmth, describing him as a "big personality" who could light up a room and as someone who lived and breathed hockey. ESPN's statement echoed this sentiment, calling him "one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey" whose passion was unmistakable.Melrose's legacy lives on in the many fans who remember his indelible interviews, his flair for storytelling, and his genuine affection for the game. Whether through his coaching accomplishments, his lively broadcasting appearances, or his gracious influence on younger players, he left a lasting imprint on the hockey world that will be felt for generations.