Former NHL Star and Senators GM Mel Bridgman Dies at 70
Mel Bridgman, the former NHL player and Ottawa Senators general manager, has passed away at the age of 70, as announced by the NHL Alumni Association. The specific cause of his death has not been revealed.
Career Highlights of Mel Bridgman
Bridgman was a prominent figure in the NHL, starting his career as the first overall pick in the 1975 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He spent his initial six seasons with the Flyers, contributing significantly to the team.
Playing Stints and Achievements
In the 1981-82 season, he was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he achieved a career-high performance with 33 goals and 54 assists in 72 games. Bridgman then joined the New Jersey Devils in the 1983-84 season and played over three years before moving to the Detroit Red Wings during the 1986-87 season. His final NHL season was with the Vancouver Canucks in 1988-89.
- Total NHL Points: 701
- Goals: 252
- Assists: 449
- Regular-Season Games Played: 977
General Manager Role with the Senators
In 1991, Bridgman took on a new challenge as the first general manager of the Ottawa Senators. He held this position until 1993, playing an integral role in shaping the franchise’s early years.
Mel Bridgman’s contributions to hockey, both as a player and an executive, have left a significant impact on the sport. His legacy will be remembered by fans and players alike.
