Sadly, the 2023-2024 NHL season will start without one of the sport’s most renowned analysts breaking down the game. Barry Melrose, who’s been with ESPN since 1996, announced on the first day of the NHL season that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and will retire.

In a statement, the 67-year-old said, “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.”

Before becoming a broadcaster, Melrose played in six NHL seasons for three different teams but became a prominent head coach after his playing days. He coached Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings to a Stanly Cup Final in 1993, his first behind an NHL bench. Three years later, he joined ESPN but briefly returned to the bench in 2008 to coach the Tampa Bay Lightning. Unfortunately, he was fired after 16 games. In his brief coaching career, he went 84-108-29-4.

Still, it didn’t take long for Melrose to return to the studio. He was back at ESPN right in time for the 2009 Winter Classic. In a video tribute for ESPN, Wayne Gretzky said, “He’s bigger than any team. For decades, he’s been suiting up, and I mean suiting up, for the game, for the sport, for hockey. You see, hockey is more than a game; it’s a community, a finely tuned orchestra, and Barry was our conductor. Barry has given so much to the game. And now he needs our support, and all of us in hockey are here for him.”

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said, “Barry has had a connection to the sport for an astonishing 50 years as a player, coach and analyst, and he has left an indelible mark both on and off the ice. We wish him and his family the very best.” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman echoed his sentiments, saying, “Barry is a unique, one-of-a-kind person. And hockey on ESPN won’t be the same without him. 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.”

Throughout his career, Melrose regularly worked alongside Steve Levy and John Buccigross on ESPN’s hockey coverage, including All-Star Games, Stanley Cup playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final. “I’ve worked with Barry at ESPN for over a quarter-century,” Buccigross posted to X. “Cold beers and hearty laughs in smokey cigar bars. A razor-sharp wit, he was always early and looked like a million bucks. I love him; I’ll miss him.” Please pray for Barry’s family, friends, and loved ones during these challenging times.