History of Barry Melrose in Timeline

Barry Melrose is a Canadian-American retired professional ice hockey player, coach, and broadcaster. He played in the WHA and NHL before becoming a head coach, notably leading the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals. Melrose was also a prominent hockey analyst for ESPN and the NHL Network until 2023.

July 15, 1956: Birth of Barry Melrose

Barry James Melrose was born on July 15, 1956.

1974: Melrose Starts Hockey Career with Kamloops Chiefs

Barry Melrose began his hockey career as a defenseman in 1974 with the Kamloops Chiefs in the WCHL.

1976: Melrose Joins Springfield Indians

Barry Melrose began the 1976-1977 season playing for the Springfield Indians in the AHL.

1979: Melrose Joins Winnipeg Jets After WHA Merges with NHL

After the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979, Barry Melrose joined the Winnipeg Jets.

1979: Melrose Joins Cincinnati Stingers

In 1979, Melrose started playing for the Cincinnati Stingers in the WHA.

1986: Melrose's Final Season as Hockey Player

Barry Melrose played his final season of professional hockey with the Adirondack Red Wings during the 1986-1987 season.

1987: Melrose Begins Coaching Career

Immediately after retiring as a player, Barry Melrose began his coaching career in 1987 with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL.

1991: Adirondack Red Wings Coached by Melrose Win Calder Cup

Barry Melrose coached the Adirondack Red Wings to a Calder Cup victory in the 1991-1992 season.

1992: Melrose Begins Coaching Los Angeles Kings

Barry Melrose became the coach of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings at the start of the 1992-1993 season.

1993: Los Angeles Kings Coached by Melrose Reach Stanley Cup Finals

In 1993, Barry Melrose coached the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were defeated by the Montreal Canadiens.

1994: Melrose Makes Guest Appearances on ESPN

Barry Melrose made guest appearances as an analyst on ESPN in the spring of 1994 and 1995.

1995: Melrose Joins ESPN as Commentator and Analyst

In the fall of 1995, Barry Melrose joined ESPN as a color commentator and studio analyst.

March 1998: Melrose Becomes American Citizen

Barry Melrose became an American Citizen in March 1998.

June 4, 2008: Melrose Expresses Interest in Returning to Coaching

On June 4, 2008, Barry Melrose stated in an interview that he missed coaching and would consider any coaching offers from NHL teams.

June 2008: Melrose Leaves ESPN to Coach Tampa Bay Lightning

Barry Melrose left his role at ESPN in June 2008 to become the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

June 2008: Melrose Hired as Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach

The Tampa Bay Lightning hired Barry Melrose to be their head coach in June 2008.

October 21, 2008: Melrose's First Coaching Win in 13 Years

On October 21, 2008, Barry Melrose secured his first win as head coach after a 13-year hiatus, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.

November 14, 2008: Melrose Fired by Tampa Bay Lightning

Barry Melrose was fired from his coaching position with the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 14, 2008, after a record of 5-7-4.

January 1, 2009: Melrose Returns to ESPN as Hockey Analyst

On January 1, 2009, Barry Melrose returned to ESPN as a hockey analyst following a short coaching stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

September 2011: Melrose Joins NHL Network

Barry Melrose began working as a contributor for the NHL Network in September 2011.

October 10, 2023: Melrose Retires from ESPN Due to Parkinson's Diagnosis

John Buccigross announced on October 10, 2023 that Barry Melrose would be retiring from ESPN to prioritize his family and health after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.