Sports World Reacts To Barry Melrose’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis

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.