ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and the sports world responded with an outpouring of goodwill toward the former NHL player and coach Tuesday afternoon.
The 67-year-old Melrose, an extremely popular figure among his colleagues and around the hockey world, is “stepping away from our ESPN family to spend more time with his,” per ESPN commentator John Buccigross.
Melrose played six seasons in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
After his playing days, Melrose moved behind the bench to coach the Los Angeles Kings from 1992-93 through 1994-95, guiding the Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. Melrose also coached the Tampa Bay Lightning briefly in 2008.
Although fans are exited for the start of the 2023-24 NHL season, figures around the hockey world shared prayers and words of support on social media for Melrose.
Legend. Leader. LA King.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 10, 2023
Luc reflects on what Barry Melrose means to our organization as he enters retirement 👇 pic.twitter.com/PyUKIkUX00
Barry is one of the best people around. Kind, generous, happy. When I started in TV, he was so great to be around. He would always say “time to make the doughnuts” when we had to tape something so late at night. And always positive about it. Be well my friend, see ya soon! https://t.co/OM5XstWLIN
— Ray Ferraro (@rayferraro21) October 10, 2023
Very few people have impacted hockey television coverage in the United States more than Barry Melrose. He is an institution and all of us are lucky and grateful that he shared his love and passion for the game with us for nearly three decades. The Columbus Blue Jackets send… https://t.co/UYAUu2HBlz
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 10, 2023
Very sad. Barry is one of the nicest humans you will ever meet. We love you @NHLBarryMelrose ❤️ https://t.co/KrPj9ImxkN
— Tim Peel (@TimCPeel20) October 10, 2023
Thinking of you Barry and your family. 👊 https://t.co/TyaCXMZvYR
— Craig Button (@CraigJButton) October 10, 2023
Barry Melrose is an absolute legend and terrific teammate who was always a great sport when we asked him to do dumb stuff we had no business asking him to do. Much love and respect to him and his family. Fight on Barry. ❤️ https://t.co/xdkaY0WPX7 pic.twitter.com/0DXk0pEsEY
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 10, 2023
As great a teammate as any of us have had. Love this man. https://t.co/tErPPqoVLy
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) October 10, 2023
I’ve worked with many people over decades in hockey, absolutely no one as beloved as Barry.
— al morganti (@nufced) October 10, 2023
I enjoyed every moment working with him in studio and at games.
Always quick witted, well dressed and happy to be around the game.
A true citizen of the sport. Will miss his wit, insight. https://t.co/15zTbPuld1
Everyone loves Barry. The best. https://t.co/WKNJslADxv
— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) October 10, 2023
It’s hard for me to put into words how special and important of a person Barry has been to me since we started working together at ESPN. He is the best teammate and person that I know. Not many people can light up a room or light up a crowd with sheer presence like Barry does.… https://t.co/dc8fu2q1ek
— Colby Cohen (@ColbyCohen36) October 10, 2023
There is no more genuine person at ESPN.
— Kevin Connors 💯 (@kevconnorsespn) October 10, 2023
Barry never failed to put a smile on my face and his friendship & chats were treasured.
Please keep him in your prayers. ❤️ https://t.co/yO1DCyoXgK
Sending love to Barry & his family ❤️❤️
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) October 10, 2023
Can’t describe how warm and welcoming he was to me when I first started. A true original and gem in our game. https://t.co/QDTtLHz9fQ
Barry is the best. One of the nicest people you will ever meet. His sense of humor and ability to do handle anything is something I admired from the start. Love you Barry and enjoy the best time w the family. https://t.co/Hv7cAtxPvG
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) October 10, 2023
Barry Melrose is one of the most important hockey figures in American Television history and in my opinion should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was so incredibly kind to me when I joined ESPN & I will never, ever forget it.
— ᴀʀᴅᴀ Öᴄᴀʟ (@Arda) October 10, 2023
Coach, thank you for the memories. pic.twitter.com/24TpSCdxBM
As a kid, I tossed on Sportscenter to watch Barry Melrose and his NHL segments every single morning. It’s what I looked forward to most.
— Nasher (@TheNasher61) October 10, 2023
His impact in the hockey world will live on forever. Heartbreaking news but wishing Barry all the best❤️ https://t.co/NrOFMzXBQO
There aren’t enough words on this platform to express my love and respect for Barry. He’s a one of a kind guy. Authentic. And hockey fans knew it. That’s why they loved watching him. I’m so very lucky to have worked with him and to call him a friend. https://t.co/I63OAePOFU
— E.J. Hradek (@EJHradek_NHL) October 10, 2023
