Mel Bridgman, first GM of Ottawa Senators, dies at 70

Ottawa Senators general manager Mel Bridgman makes his selection in the expansion draft at the NHL meetings in Montreal on Thursday, June 18, 1992. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Mel Bridgman, perhaps best remembered in the capital as the first General Manager of the Ottawa Senators, died at the age of 70 on Saturday.

“The Ottawa Senators organization sends its deepest sympathies to Mel’s loved ones at this difficult time,” the Ottawa Senators wrote on a post to social media.

A first overall draft pick for the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975, Bridgman spent 14 years in the league before joining the Ottawa Senators in 1991 as the franchise was launching. Bridgman would go on to lead the team through their first season in 1992-93.

“After a stellar playing career in the NHL, Mel served as our first general manager when we returned to the NHL for the 1992-93 season,” the Ottawa Senators wrote.

“He presided over our inaugural entry draft, where the club selected Alexei Yashin with the second overall selection.”

The Trenton, Ont. native played 977 games in the big leagues, taking the ice for the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks.

“A prototypical power forward who exemplified Flyers style-hockey, Bridgman also served as captain of the Flyers for parts of three seasons from 1979-1981,” the Philadelphia Flyers said in a statement.

“A smart, two-way forward, he helped lead the team to two Stanley Cup Final appearances in 1976 and 1980. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mel’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”

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