Mel Bridgman, First Overall NHL Draft Pick and Senators’ First GM, Dies at 70

Mel Bridgman, a rugged former NHL forward drafted first overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975 and who served as the Ottawa Senators’ inaugural general manager, has died, the NHL Alumni Association announced today.

Bridgman, 70, was known as a prototypical power forward who embodied the Flyers’ physical style of play. He starred in junior hockey with the Victoria Cougars, recording 66 goals and 91 assists in the 1974-75 season. He immediately made an impact in the NHL, scoring 23 regular-season goals as a rookie for the Flyers, who reached the Stanley Cup Final. He later captained both the Flyers during their record 35-game unbeaten streak in 1979-80 and the New Jersey Devils.

Throughout his 14-year NHL career, Bridgman also played for the Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks, amassing 252 goals, 449 assists, and 1,625 penalty minutes in 977 regular-season games. Following his playing career, Bridgman earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and became the first general manager of the expansion Ottawa Senators in 1991, guiding them through their inaugural season. He later worked as a player agent; you can learn more about the history of the National Hockey League on the official NHL website.

“A prototypical power forward who exemplified Flyers style-hockey,” the Flyers said in a social media post. The Senators organization also expressed its condolences, stating, “The Ottawa Senators organization sends its deepest sympathies to Mel’s loved ones at this difficult time.” Bridgman’s passing represents a loss for the early generations of players who helped build the modern NHL.

Details regarding memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.