NHL Player and General Manager
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Key moments and achievements from Gerald Meehan's life.
Gerald was born
· Buffalo, New York, USA
Draft
Meehan was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round, 21st overall, during the 1963 NHL Amateur Draft. This selection marked the beginning of a professional journey for the Toronto native who grew up playing minor hockey for St. Michael's College School. He eventually won the Memorial Cup in 1967 as a member of the Toronto Marlboros before making his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs during the 1968-69 season.
Draft
Meehan was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round, 21st overall, during the 1963 NHL Amateur Draft. This selection marked the beginning of a professional journey for the Toronto native who grew up playing minor hockey for St. Michael's College School. He eventually won the Memorial Cup in 1967 as a member of the Toronto Marlboros before making his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs during the 1968-69 season.
Expansion Draft
The Buffalo Sabres selected Meehan in the 1970 NHL Expansion Draft, a move that would define his professional legacy. On October 10, 1970, he made an immediate impact by recording both the first assist and the first minor penalty in the history of the franchise. This foundational role allowed him to transition from a prospect into an NHL regular, a shift he credited with making his career.
Expansion Draft
The Buffalo Sabres selected Meehan in the 1970 NHL Expansion Draft, a move that would define his professional legacy. On October 10, 1970, he made an immediate impact by recording both the first assist and the first minor penalty in the history of the franchise. This foundational role allowed him to transition from a prospect into an NHL regular, a shift he credited with making his career.
Iconic Moment
On April 2, 1972, Meehan scored one of the most iconic goals in the history of the Buffalo Sabres during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. With only four seconds remaining on the clock, his shot found the net to eliminate the Flyers from playoff contention. This victory secured the first ever playoff berth for the Sabres and established Meehan as a local hero.
Iconic Moment
On April 2, 1972, Meehan scored one of the most iconic goals in the history of the Buffalo Sabres during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. With only four seconds remaining on the clock, his shot found the net to eliminate the Flyers from playoff contention. This victory secured the first ever playoff berth for the Sabres and established Meehan as a local hero.
Graduation
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1979, Meehan pursued a rigorous academic path that set him apart from his peers. He earned an undergraduate degree from Canisius College before graduating with a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1982. This legal education provided the intellectual framework for his subsequent career as a high level sports executive.
Graduation
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1979, Meehan pursued a rigorous academic path that set him apart from his peers. He earned an undergraduate degree from Canisius College before graduating with a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1982. This legal education provided the intellectual framework for his subsequent career as a high level sports executive.
Promotion
Meehan was promoted to General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres during the 1986-87 season, taking over the position from Scotty Bowman. He had previously served as the team's Assistant General Manager, making him the first former player to join the franchise's front office. His tenure as General Manager was characterized by a modern, analytical approach to roster management and contract negotiations.
Promotion
Meehan was promoted to General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres during the 1986-87 season, taking over the position from Scotty Bowman. He had previously served as the team's Assistant General Manager, making him the first former player to join the franchise's front office. His tenure as General Manager was characterized by a modern, analytical approach to roster management and contract negotiations.
International Incident
In a high stakes move that garnered international attention, Meehan orchestrated the defection of Soviet star Alexander Mogilny in 1989. He traveled to Stockholm to meet with Mogilny and personally navigated the legal and political complexities of bringing him to the United States. This successful operation brought one of the game's greatest talents to Buffalo and signaled the Sabres' arrival as a global player.
International Incident
In a high stakes move that garnered international attention, Meehan orchestrated the defection of Soviet star Alexander Mogilny in 1989. He traveled to Stockholm to meet with Mogilny and personally navigated the legal and political complexities of bringing him to the United States. This successful operation brought one of the game's greatest talents to Buffalo and signaled the Sabres' arrival as a global player.
Major Trade
Meehan executed one of the most significant trades in NHL history in 1992 when he acquired goaltender Dominik Hasek from the Chicago Blackhawks. He also brought in other major talents such as Pat LaFontaine and Dale Hawerchuk during this period of aggressive roster building. These moves transformed the Sabres into a perennial contender and solidified Meehan's reputation as a visionary executive.
Major Trade
Meehan executed one of the most significant trades in NHL history in 1992 when he acquired goaltender Dominik Hasek from the Chicago Blackhawks. He also brought in other major talents such as Pat LaFontaine and Dale Hawerchuk during this period of aggressive roster building. These moves transformed the Sabres into a perennial contender and solidified Meehan's reputation as a visionary executive.
Gerald Meehan passed away
