Buffalo Sabres Mourn the Passing of Gerry Meehan
In a sad announcement from the Buffalo Sabres, the organization confirmed the passing of Gerry Meehan, a pivotal figure in the team’s history, who died recently at the age of 79. Meehan’s family notified the team of his death, which occurred on a Friday, though details regarding the cause and location of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Career Highlights
Hailing from Toronto, Meehan became a beloved figure in Buffalo, both as a player and later a general manager. After the Sabres selected him in the 1970 expansion draft, he quickly made his mark, being instrumental in the franchise’s inaugural game where he recorded two assists and set up the first goal. He served as captain and spent nearly five seasons with the team before his trade to Vancouver in 1974.
Meehan transitioned from player to executive after finishing his 10-year NHL career, which included time with the Washington Capitals and Atlanta Flames, as well as a brief stint in the World Hockey Association. After acquiring a law degree in Buffalo, he joined the Sabres front office in 1984, initially working under renowned GM Scotty Bowman.
General Manager and Legacy
When he took over as the team’s general manager in the 1986-87 season, Meehan effected numerous strategic changes that reshaped the Sabres, notably facilitating the entrance of Hall of Famers like Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, and Alexander Mogilny. His most notable move was helping Mogilny defect from the Soviet Union, demonstrating his commitment to fostering talent and guiding players into the NHL. Mogilny, during his Hall of Fame induction, referred to Meehan as a crucial mentor.
Mission-driven and respected, Meehan was recognized fondly by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who described him as a “pillar of the franchise,” noting his dual legacy as a savvy executive and generous mentor to many up-and-coming professionals in hockey.
Meehan orchestrated several landmark trades, including acquiring Hasek from the Chicago Blackhawks, allowing the Sabres to gain a future multi-award-winning goaltender. His managerial chapter concluded following the 1995-96 season, yet he remained engaged with the Sabres through their Alumni Association. In his NHL playing career, he amassed 180 goals and 423 points over 670 games.
Community Mourning
The Sabres community is mourning this loss, expressing condolences and reflecting on Meehan’s lasting contributions to the organization.
