Buffalo Sabres winger, former GM Gerry Meehan dead at 79

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

by The Canadian Press

Buffalo Sabres winger, former GM Gerry Meehan dead at 79

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