Former NHLer Gerry Meehan has died.

The Buffalo Sabres have just announced some very sad news.

In an official release, the Sabres have confirmed that former Sabres forward and general manager Gary Meehan has passed away. Meehan was 79 years old.

Originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round (21st overall) of the 1963 NHL Amateur Draft, Meehan wouldn't break into the NHL until the 1968-69 season as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers. From there Meehan would play with the Maple Leafs, Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Atlanta Flames and Washington Capitals spanning a 680 game NHL career in which he had 180 goals and 243 assists for 423 career points in the league.

In 1984 Meehan became the first former Sabres player to take a front office role when he joined the Sabres front office, eventually being promoted to general manager during the 1986-87 season. Meehan's tenure as general manager of the Sabres would see him draft several legends into the organization's ranks including the likes of Pat LaFontaine, Dale Hawerchuk and Dominik Hasek.

Perhaps the best thing I can say about Meehan however is the impression he left on those closest to him, something that was highlighted during the Hall of Fame speech of Buffalo Sabres legend Alexander Mogilny when Mogilny gave Meehan the highest possible praise.

"You were my guiding lights when I came into the NHL," said Mogilny. "It proves that hockey’s greatest gift is the people it brings into your life."

Mogilny was another of the players that would go on to be legends that were selected during Meehan's tenure and it's clear he left a long and lasting impression on the beloved forward.

Meehan is survived by his wife, Mirella; their children Dan, Adam, and Kate; and their grandchildren Christian, Alexander, Nathan, and Juniper. My most sincere condolences go out to all of those impacted by today's terrible news.