Melrose has Parkinson’s disease, retires from ESPN 

Barry Melrose, a former NHL coach and player who has been an analyst for ESPN since 1996, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is retiring.

"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," the 67-year-old said in a statement Tuesday. "I'm beyond grateful for my hockey career, and to have called ESPN home for almost 30 years. Thanks for the incredible memories and I'll now be cheering for you from the stands."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, “Barry is a unique, one-of-a-kind person. And hockey on ESPN won’t be the same without him.

“For nearly 50 years, as a player, coach and broadcaster, Barry‘s gigantic personality and trademark style have made our game bigger, more exciting and more entertaining. His love for hockey is obvious and infectious. And it is impossible to have a conversation with him without a smile on your face.

“Barry, we wish you well in this fight and know you will give it everything you have -- as you always do.”

The news was first reported by Melrose’s broadcast partner, John Buccigross, who said on social media, “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…”

Los Angeles Kings president Luc Robitaille, who played for Melrose when he coached the Kings from 1992-95, posted on social media that Melrose was “a tremendous leader who brought an incredible amount of personality to our hockey club and organization. His booming laugh is second to none.”

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements such as shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination, according to the National Institute on Aging.

About 1 million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson’s Foundation. More than 8.5 million people worldwide have the disease, according to the World Health Organization.

Actors Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda, singers Neil Diamond and Linda Ronstadt and the late boxer Muhammad Ali are among the notable figures who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Melrose joined ESPN as a hockey analyst in 1996 after he coached the Kings. With Wayne Gretzky as a star player, Melrose guided Los Angeles to its first Stanley Cup Final in 1993, a five-game loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

Melrose was 79-101-29-0 in the regular season with Los Angeles and 13-11-0 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He coached the Tampa Bay Lightning for 16 games in 2008.

A second-round pick (No. 36) by the Canadiens in the 1976 NHL Draft, Melrose was a defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings from 1979-86. He had 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 300 regular-season games and two assists in seven playoff games.

In addition to hockey and broadcasting, Melrose has dabbled in acting. He appeared as himself in the hockey movie “Mystery, Alaska” in 1999 and was a guest in 2001 on the ABC comedy series “Spin City,” which starred Fox.