A tragic announcement hits the NHL: Bettman's statement

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
October 11, 2023 (2:05)

SHARE THIS STORY

A former WCHA and WHA player, Barry Melrose found a home with the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL. In 1987, Melrose retired from professional hockey and became a coach with the Los Angeles Kings.

During his tenure as Los Angeles Kings coach, Melrose led Wayne Gretzky to the Stanley Cup finals in 1993.

NEWS:
Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease and is stepping away from our ESPN family to spend more time with his. I've worked with Barry at ESPN for over a quarter century. Cold beers and hearty laughs in smokey cigar bars. A razor sharp wit, he was always early & looked like a million bucks. I love him. I'll miss him. Wayne Gretzky on a life dedicated to hockey

As an analyst on NHL games since 1996, Melrose has had an illustrious career, spanning 27 years. During the 2008 season, he also coached the Tampa Bay Lightning for 16 games.

Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the retirement of Barry Melrose:

Despite this, the ESPN broadcaster has retired from his career and from his partnership with John Buccigross. He has decided, due to his Parkinson's diagnosis, that he would like more time with his family.

"I've had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world's greatest game, hockey. It's now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy, and whatever comes next," Melrose, 67, said in a statement.

Even Wayne Gretzky has praised Melrose's contribution to the hockey world over the past 50 years.

All of us will be deeply affected by his loss.

As Seen On: espn.com