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.
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Meehan, who was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
