Barry Melrose, an NHL player and coach who then developed into a highly-respected ESPN hockey broadcaster, died at 70 on Wednesday, ESPN confirmed in a statement.

"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. He was a foundational part of ESPN's hockey coverage, and fans and teammates truly appreciated his entertaining delivery and charismatic personality.

We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones. He always kept it interesting and he will be missed."

Melrose departed ESPN last year, capping a 27-year career that began in 2007, following a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. He quickly became an iconic presence on the network's NHL broadcasts as a studio analyst who attracted legions of hockey enthusiasts with his insightful analyses and signature mullet and goatee.

Prior to joining television, Melrose embarked on two-plus successful seasons as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, from 1992-93 to 1994-95, under which Wayne Gretzky was the team captain. In that tenure, the Kings made it to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, ultimately losing to the Montreal Canadiens.

Taking into account a brief coaching stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning at the start of the 2008-09 season, Melrose's head coaching record in the NHL finished at 84 wins, 108 losses, 29 ties and 4 overtime losses. He played nine seasons professionally as a defenseman before transitioning to coaching. After three years in the WHA with the Cincinnati Stingers (1976-77 through 1978-79), Melrose skated in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets (1979-80 through 1980-81), the Toronto Maple Leafs (1980-81 through 1982-83), and the Detroit Red Wings (1983-84 and 1985-86). 

Melrose's NHL playing career, over 300 games, included 10 goals, 23 assists and a rating of -119. 

He tallied five goals, 27 assists and a rating of -36 in 178 WHA contests.

Written by

Lakshya