Former Sabres captain and GM Gerry Meehan dies at 79

Former Buffalo Sabres winger and general manager Gerry Meehan has died at the age of 79, according to an announcement from the team on Saturday. Meehan, a Toronto native, was part of the Sabres’ inaugural 1970 season and recorded the franchise’s first assist. He also served as the team’s second captain and spent 10 NHL seasons with Buffalo, Vancouver, Atlanta and Washington. After his playing career, Meehan was Buffalo’s general manager from 1986 to 1993. The Sabres said he also played a role in helping Alexander Mogilny defect from the Soviet Union, a move that later helped open the NHL to more players from that region. Meehan is survived by his wife, three children and four grandchildren.