Mel Bridgman
Updated: 12/20/2025, 12:26:14 PM Wikipedia source
Melvin John Bridgman (April 28, 1955 – November 6, 2025) was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League NHL) for five teams from 1975–76 until 1988–89. He participated in two Stanley Cup Finals with the Philadelphia Flyers (1976, 1980) and was the team captain for both the Flyers and the New Jersey Devils during his career. He later would become a player agent and front office executive, serving as the first general manager of the contemporary Ottawa Senators franchise. Bridgman was born in Trenton, Ontario, but grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, before moving to Victoria, British Columbia.
Infobox
Born
(1955-04-28)April 28, 1955Trenton, Ontario, Canada
Died
November 6, 2025(2025-11-06) (aged 70)Comox, British Columbia, Canada
Height
6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight
190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position
Centre
Shot
Left
Played for
Philadelphia Flyers Calgary FlamesNew Jersey DevilsDetroit Red WingsVancouver Canucks
National team
Canada
NHL draft
1st overall, 1975Philadelphia Flyers
WHA draft
4th overall, 1975Denver Spurs
Playing career
1975–1989
Tables
· External links
Preceded byBill Barber
Preceded byBill Barber
Preceded byGreg Joly
Preceded byBill Barber
NHL first overall draft pick 1975
Philadelphia Flyers' first round draft pick 1975
Succeeded byRick Green
Succeeded byMark Suzor
Preceded byBobby Clarke
Preceded byBobby Clarke
Preceded byGreg Joly
Preceded byBobby Clarke
NHL first overall draft pick 1975
Philadelphia Flyers captain 1979–81
Succeeded byRick Green
Succeeded byBill Barber
Preceded byDon Lever
Preceded byDon Lever
Preceded byGreg Joly
Preceded byDon Lever
NHL first overall draft pick 1975
New Jersey Devils captain 1984–87
Succeeded byRick Green
Succeeded byKirk Muller
Preceded byPosition created
Preceded byPosition created
Preceded byGreg Joly
Preceded byPosition created
NHL first overall draft pick 1975
General manager of the Ottawa Senators 1992–1993
Succeeded byRick Green
Succeeded byRandy Sexton
| Preceded byGreg Joly | NHL first overall draft pick 1975 | Succeeded byRick Green |
| Preceded byBill Barber | Philadelphia Flyers' first round draft pick 1975 | Succeeded byMark Suzor |
| Preceded byBobby Clarke | Philadelphia Flyers captain 1979–81 | Succeeded byBill Barber |
| Preceded byDon Lever | New Jersey Devils captain 1984–87 | Succeeded byKirk Muller |
| Preceded byPosition created | General manager of the Ottawa Senators 1992–1993 | Succeeded byRandy Sexton |
References
- "Flyers Heroes of the Past: Mel Bridgman"https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-heroes-of-the-past-mel-bridgman/c-435565
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/31/sports/sports-people-hockey-bridgman-to-run-freshman-senators.html
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/16/sports/sports-people-hockey-senators-shuffle-the-front-office.html
- "Mel Bridgman Carved a Special Place in Flyers History"https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/mel-bridgman-carved-a-special-place-in-flyers-history
- "Former Devils Captain Mel Bridgman Passes Away at 70"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/former-devils-captain-mel-bridgman-passes-away-at-70
- "Former Devils Captain Mel Bridgman Passes Away at 70"https://everloved.com/life-of/mel-bridgman/?fbclid=IwdGRleAODMh9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeSs05lMDUC0pU_lmJeC3qmvH_DoT3k-CLKcXpzBu4-5rbXE3dAMRl2HA8IjA_aem_J0ZpTKRzfdpI_-YeZeB8Mw