Former NHL player and Ottawa Senators general manager Mel Bridgman has passed away at the age of 70. The news of his death was shared by the NHL Alumni Association on Saturday, although the cause of his death has not been revealed.

Bridgman made a significant mark in his early career, notably recording 157 points in just 66 games while playing for the Victoria Cougars in the Western Canada Hockey League (currently known as the WHL) during the 1974-75 season. His exceptional performance caught the attention of the Philadelphia Flyers, who selected him as the first overall pick in the 1975 NHL Draft.

For the first six-plus seasons of his career, Bridgman played with the Flyers. He developed into a formidable player there before being traded to the Calgary Flames during the 1981-82 season. This season was particularly memorable for him, as he achieved a career-high tally of 33 goals alongside 54 assists across 72 games. His success continued as he moved to the New Jersey Devils in the 1983-84 season, where he played for over three years before a trade sent him to the Detroit Red Wings in the 1986-87 season.

Bridgman ultimately concluded his professional playing career with the Vancouver Canucks during the 1988-89 season. Over the span of his career, he accumulated a total of 701 points, consisting of 252 goals and 449 assists across 977 regular-season games. His strong performance established him as a notable figure in the NHL.

After retiring as a player, Bridgman transitioned into management and was appointed as the first general manager of the newly formed Ottawa Senators in 1991. His tenure in this role lasted until 1993, during which he helped to lay the foundations for the franchise's future.

Bridgman's passing has left a profound impact on the hockey community, with many reflecting on his contributions as both a player and an executive. His legacy in the sport will be remembered, marking a significant chapter in the history of hockey for the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks.