Barry Melrose, the colorful Canadian-American hockey player, coach, and longtime ESPN analyst, passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 70 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. His wife, Cindy, informed the network of his death. At the time of his passing, Melrose’s estimated net worth stood at $16 million.
Born on July 15, 1956, in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose built a multifaceted career that spanned playing, coaching, and broadcasting. His distinctive mullet, flashy suits, and straightforward style made him a recognizable figure who helped popularize hockey among American audiences for nearly three decades.
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Playing and Coaching Career
Barry Melrose played as a rugged defenseman in the World Hockey Association with the Cincinnati Stingers before moving to the NHL. He appeared in 300 regular-season games with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings, recording 10 goals, 33 points, and 728 penalty minutes. After retiring as a player, he turned to coaching and quickly found success. He led the Medicine Hat Tigers to a Memorial Cup title and guided the Adirondack Red Wings to a Calder Cup championship in 1992.
In 1992, Melrose became head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. In his first season, he took a team featuring Wayne Gretzky to the Stanley Cup Final, where they fell to the Montreal Canadiens. His initial four-year deal with the Kings was reported as one of the richest for a first-time NHL coach, later renegotiated upward after that strong debut. He returned briefly to coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008 on a reported three-year, $6 million contract but was dismissed after a short, unsuccessful stint. Overall, his NHL coaching record stood at 84-108-29.
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Broadcasting Success and Later Years
Barry Melrose joined ESPN in 1996 and became one of the network’s most familiar hockey voices, working alongside personalities such as Steve Levy and John Buccigross. His analysis covered All-Star Games, playoffs, and Stanley Cup Finals. He also contributed to the NHL Network. The long broadcasting career, combined with coaching salaries and earlier playing earnings, formed the foundation of his $16 million net worth.
Melrose retired from on-air work in 2023 following his Parkinson’s diagnosis, choosing to focus on his health and family. He is survived by his wife Cindy and their two sons, Tyrell and Adrien.
