BUFFALO — Buffalo Sabres winger and former general manager Gerry Meehan has died at the age of 79.
The Sabres announced Meehan's death on their website and social media channels Saturday.
Meehan, from Toronto, was a member of the inaugural Sabres in 1970 and recorded the team's first assist.
He was the team's second captain when he scored a career-best 31 goals and Buffalo made the playoffs for the first time in 1972-73.
Meehan played 10 NHL seasons with Buffalo, Vancouver, Atlanta and Washington.
After he retired from playing, Meehan obtained his law degree and became Buffalo's assistant GM under Scotty Bowman.
Meehan succeeded Bowman in 1986 and proceeded to take big swings during his eight years as GM.
Meehan and director of player development Don Luce helped Alexander Mogilny become the first player from the former Soviet Union to defect to North America, which opened the door for other Soviet players to follow suit.
Meehan also acquired eventual Hall of Famers Pat LaFontaine, Dale Hawerchuk and Dominik Hasek through trades.
Hasek was a backup goalie for the Chicago Blackhawks when Meehan brought him to Buffalo. The Czech netminder went on to win the Vezina Trophy six times and the Hart Trophy twice during his time in Buffalo.
"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," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Saturday in a statement.
Meehan is survived by his wife, three children and four grandchildren.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2026.
The Canadian Press
