Gerry Meehan, the inaugural Buffalo Sabres forward who later served as the franchise's captain and general manager, died on Friday at the age of 79, according to statements released by the team and the National Hockey League on Saturday.
Meehan played 10 seasons in the NHL from 1968 to 1979, recording 423 points across 670 regular-season games with six different franchises.
The Toronto native achieved historic status with Buffalo by registering the first assist in franchise history during a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct.
10, 1970.
Following his retirement from playing, Meehan completed a law degree and rejoined the Sabres organization, eventually ascending to the general manager role from 1986 to 1993.
During his executive tenure, Meehan executed major trades to acquire future Hall of Fame players and worked to orchestrate the groundbreaking 1989 defection of Alexander Mogilny from the Soviet Union.
NHL Commissioner Pays Tribute
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Gerry Meehan, an original Buffalo Sabre and pillar of the franchise as both its captain and then as its star-acquiring general manager,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Bettman highlighted Meehan's multi-decade transition from an on-ice leader to an influential front-office executive who helped modernize the franchise's roster through aggressive talent acquisition.
“Chosen by the Sabres in the 1970 Expansion Draft, he assisted on the first goal in franchise history and captained the Club to its first playoff appearance in 1973.
Upon retirement after a 10-year NHL career with six teams, Meehan earned his law degree and became the Sabres’ assistant GM under the legendary Scotty Bowman.
He succeeded Bowman as GM in 1986; made a series of blockbuster trades to acquire Dale Hawerchuk, Pat LaFontaine, and Dominik Hasek; and was instrumental in bringing Alexander Mogilny to Buffalo upon his hockey-altering defection from the Soviet Union in 1989.
The league executive also emphasized Meehan's enduring personal legacy within the broader professional hockey community after his formal retirement from executive roles.
“As shrewd and successful as he was on the ice and in the front office, Meehan had a significant impact on countless players and executives in recent years as a generous mentor and advisor.
We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Mirella; their children Dan, Adam, and Kate; their grandchildren; and his many friends and fans throughout hockey,” said Bettman.
Meehan, who was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
