Buffalo Sabres Legend Gerry Meehan Passes Away at 79

Gerry Meehan, a trailblazer for the Buffalo Sabres and a pivotal figure in the team’s history as a player and general manager, has passed away at the age of 79. The Sabres confirmed his death on Saturday, following notification from a family member. The exact cause and location of his passing have not been made public.

Originally from Toronto, Meehan embraced Buffalo as his home during his playing and executive career. He made a significant mark on the franchise, notably as general manager, where he was instrumental in acquiring future Hall of Famers such as Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, Alexander Mogilny, and Dale Hawerchuk during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Meehan’s journey with the Sabres began when he was selected in the 1970 expansion draft after a rookie season split between Toronto and Philadelphia. He made an immediate impact, recording two assists in the franchise’s inaugural game, including setting up the team’s first-ever goal. He later served as captain before being traded to Vancouver in October 1974.

After concluding his 10-year NHL career and a brief stint in the World Hockey Association, Meehan returned to Buffalo to earn a law degree. In 1984, he joined the Sabres’ front office under general manager Scotty Bowman. Meehan took over as GM during the 1986-87 season, where he made transformative moves, including facilitating Mogilny’s move from the Soviet Union to the NHL in 1989. Mogilny credited Meehan as “my guiding light when I came into the NHL” during his induction speech last year.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman honored Meehan in a statement, calling him a “pillar of the franchise.” Bettman praised Meehan’s dual success on the ice and in management, highlighting his role as a mentor to many players and executives.

Under Meehan’s leadership, the Sabres underwent a significant transformation, acquiring Hawerchuk from Winnipeg in 1990 and trading for LaFontaine in 1991. LaFontaine would go on to have a remarkable 148-point season alongside Mogilny, who scored 76 goals in the 1992-93 season. Meehan also executed one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history, acquiring Hasek from Chicago in 1992 for a mere fourth-round pick and goaltender Stephane Beauregard. Hasek would later become a two-time Hart Trophy winner and a six-time Vezina Trophy recipient.

After stepping down as GM following the 1995-96 season, Meehan remained active in the Sabres Alumni Association. Over his playing career, he amassed 180 goals and 423 points in 670 games, with additional stops in Washington and with the Atlanta Flames.

Meehan is survived by his wife, Mirella, their children Dan, Adam, and Kate, along with grandchildren Christian, Alexander, Nathan, and Juniper. Details regarding funeral arrangements have yet to be disclosed.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.