Goaltender taken by the New York Islanders 59th overall in the 1979 NHL draft. Back-up to Billy Smith as a member of the 1981 and 1983 Stanley Cup champion Islanders, and shared the 1983 William M. Jennings Trophy with Smith.
The Montréal Canadiens announced that Melanson, the team's goaltending coach since 1997, would not return for the 2009-2010 season. (June 2009)