Legendary NHL Player, ESPN Commentator Barry Melrose Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease

Legendary ESPN broadcaster Barry Melrose has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As a result, he’ll be stepping away from his role as NHL analyst at the network.

Fellow sports broadcaster John Buccigross just announced the tragic development on X (formerly Twitter). “Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease and is stepping away from our ESPN family to spend more time with his,” Buccigross said. “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.”

In a statement announcing his retirement, Melrose reflected on his storied career. "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.”

"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."

Melrose served for 10 years in the NHL as a player with Cincinnati, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Detroit. He then went on to coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said to ESPN on Tuesday that hockey on the network “won’t be the same” without Melrose.

"Barry's gigantic personality and trademark style have made our game bigger, more exciting and more entertaining," Bettman said. "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."