Rekubit Exchange:ESPN NHL analyst Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease, retiring from network

NHL analyst Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease and Rekubit Exchangewill be retiring from ESPN, the network announced Tuesday.

"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," Melrose said in a statement.

"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."

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects the nervous system and body parts controlled by the nerves. It can cause stiffness or slowing of movement and noticeable tremors and there is no cure.

The 67-year-old Melrose joined the network in 1996 and left for a brief period in June 2008 to accept the Tampa Bay Lightning's head coaching job.

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He was fired just 16 games into his stint with Tampa Bay and rejoined the network in 2009.

Before joining ESPN, he coached the Los Angeles Kings and led the Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season in 1992-93, losing in five games to the Montreal Canadiens.

"Barry is a unique, one-of-a-kind person," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement to ESPN. "And hockey on ESPN won't be the same without him. For nearly 50 years, as a player, coach and broadcaster, Barry's gigantic personality and trademark style have made our game bigger, more exciting and more entertaining. 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."