Former Maple Leafs Draft pick and longtime Sabres player and executive Gerry Meehan has passed away at 79 years old.
It was announced on Saturday that Meehan had passed away, sending shockwaves through the hockey world and sending them into mourning. Meehan was a legend within the Buffalo Sabres organization and a former captain and GM, but his humble beginnings start in Toronto.
Drafted by the Maple Leafs 21st overall in 1963 which must have been a dream come true for the Toronto native. He only spent one season with the Maple Leafs during the 1968-69 season but was most known in the city for being part of the Toronto Marlboros team that won the Memorial Cup.
After Toronto he left and spent time with Philadelphia, Vancouver, Buffalo, Atlanta, Washington and Cincinnati, spending 10 seasons in the NHL. He recorded 180 gaols and 423 points in 680 games.
Gary Bettman put out a statement on the passing of Meehanand touched on his legacy with the Sabres after being part of their very first team:
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.
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...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.
Meehan was responsible for some of the biggest trades in history which included ones for Dominik Hasek, Pat Lafontaine and Dale Hawerchuk, assisted on the first goal in Sabres history, and he's a legend through the hockey community.
We here at Hockey Patrol would like to offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Gerry Meehan during this difficult time.
RIP Gerry Meehan
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