Barry Melrose’s connection to the Chicago Blackhawks may not be the first thing fans remember about him, but the numbers show he saw them plenty.
Melrose died Wednesday night at the age of 70, leaving behind a hockey legacy that stretched from the rink to the broadcast booth. He was a player, coach, and longtime television voice whose presence carried far beyond his actual time on the ice.
As a player, Melrose suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Detroit Red Wings. A defensive defenseman by trade, he finished his NHL career with 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points in 300 games. He also spent time with the Cincinnati Stingers of the WHA and had stints in the AHL during and after his NHL playing days.
After his playing career, Melrose moved behind the bench and later into broadcasting, where he became one of the sport’s most recognizable voices. He coached the Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning, and in 1995 he joined ESPN on a permanent basis as a color commentator. He was also a regular contributor to NHL Network.
His coaching stop with Tampa Bay came during his broadcasting run, though it did not last long. Melrose returned to ESPN on January 1st, 2009, in order to cover the Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.
He stayed in broadcasting through 2023, when he retired so he could spend more time with his family after a Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
Against the Blackhawks, Melrose logged more NHL games than against any other opponent. He played 23 of his 300 NHL games versus Chicago, narrowly ahead of the Blues, whom he faced 22 times.
He also produced against Chicago. One of his 10 career goals came against the Blackhawks, a tally he scored for the Maple Leafs on March 22nd, 1982, against Tony Esposito.
Stew Gavin had the assist. Melrose also picked up an assist in that game, helping set up a Rocky Saganiuk goal.
In all, Melrose had three points against the Blackhawks. His third came nearly a year later, on March 20th, 1983, when he assisted on a Peter Ihnacak goal against Murray Bannerman.
Barry Melrose was a fixture in hockey for decades, and his impact was felt in every role he filled.
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