Entertainment

Former NHL coach and ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose dies at 70

The longtime broadcaster and coach stepped away from television in 2023 following a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Updated Sep 10, 2026 · 10:47 UTC2 reports

The short version

Barry Melrose, a prominent former NHL coach and ESPN analyst, has died at age 70.[The Hollywood Reporter]
ESPN announced his death after his wife notified the network, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also confirmed the news.[The Hollywood Reporter · ABC News]
Melrose announced his retirement in October 2023 following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.[The Hollywood Reporter]
His official cause of death was not immediately released.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Barry Melrose died at age 70.[The Hollywood Reporter · ABC News]
ESPN announced his passing after being notified by his wife.[ABC News]
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed Melrose's death in a statement.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Melrose disclosed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and his retirement in October 2023.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Melrose's exact cause of death was not immediately made available.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.