Remembering Gerry Meehan
The hockey world mourns the loss of Gerry Meehan, a cornerstone of the Buffalo Sabres and a figure whose influence spanned decades of the sport.
Meehan, who passed away at the age of 79, was a member of the Sabres’ inaugural 1970‑71 roster and later returned to the franchise as general manager from 1986‑87, guiding the team through a remarkable resurgence.
During his tenure he engineered some of the most pivotal moves in franchise history, including the acquisition of Dominik Hasek, the trade that brought Alexander Mogilny to Buffalo, and a bold swap of Pierre Turgeon for Pat LaFontaine that reshaped the roster.
His early playing days saw him lead the Sabres to their first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance in 1972‑73, a season in which he tallied a career‑high 31 goals, and he also contributed to the team’s historic 1970‑71 debut.
Beyond the ice, Meehan earned a law degree from the University of Buffalo, later serving with the university’s Center for the Advancement of Sport and maintaining close ties to the NHL Alumni Association and retired players.
Legacy and Impact
Meehan’s legacy endures in the continued success of the Sabres, the international pathways he opened for European players, and the indelible mark he left on the sport’s culture in North America.