Barry Melrose, a former NHL player, coach, and broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 70. ESPN announced his death on Wednesday after his wife informed the network. Melrose was best known for coaching the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final and later for his long career as a hockey analyst. He stepped away from his broadcasting role in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Melrose as a unique presence in hockey, noting his signature mullet and long suit coats, and highlighted his ability to inspire others’ love for the game. Melrose was known for his engaging and humorous broadcasting style, which made him a familiar and beloved figure in the hockey world. His distinctive appearance, including a goatee and slicked-back hair, made him instantly recognizable. ESPN described him as one of the most trusted and distinctive voices in hockey, citing his deep knowledge of the game, refreshing honesty, and unwavering passion. Born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose began his professional hockey career in 1976 with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association (WHA), a now-defunct league. He played three seasons with the team, including one alongside young Mark Messier, before moving to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets in 1979. Melrose played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings, ending his playing career after the 1985-86 season. Over 300 regular-season games, he recorded 10 goals, 33 points, and 728 penalty minutes, with seven additional games in the playoffs. His WHA career included five goals, 32 points, and 343 penalty minutes in 178 games. After retiring as a player, Melrose transitioned into coaching, leading the Adirondack Red Wings to a Calder Cup championship in 1992. He was then hired by the Kings in 1993, where he coached a team featuring Wayne Gretzky to a memorable playoff run that reached the Stanley Cup Final. He was fired in 1995 after two-plus seasons with a record of 79-101 and 29 ties. Melrose joined ESPN in 1996 and later took a brief coaching stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09 before returning to broadcasting. Outside of hockey, Melrose was known for his skill in fast-pitch softball, where he was part of a group of Saskatchewan-based NHL players considered one of the toughest teams ever in the sport.