India, Sept. 10 -- Former NHL player, coach and longtime ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose has died at the age of 70. ESPN announced his death on Wednesday after being informed by his wife.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute to Melrose, saying his trademark mullet, colourful jackets and candid analysis made him one of hockey's most distinctive voices.

"You were even more fortunate if you engaged him in conversation or listened to his analysis because he never failed to boost your love of the game of hockey," Bettman said.

Melrose's death was verified by ESPN, although the cause was not made public.

But after working for the network for almost thirty years, the former analyst made a public announcement in October 2023 that he h...