Former Philadelphia Flyers captain Mel Bridgman (Credit: @NastyKnucklesPod on Instagram)
Mel Bridgman, the Philadelphia Flyers’ first-overall pick in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft who grew into a hard-nosed two-way center and served as the team's captain, has died.
The NHL Alumni Association announced Bridgman’s passing on Saturday; he was 70. The cause of death was not disclosed.
The Flyers released the following statement on Saturday night:
"The Flyers are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Mel Bridgman, who was the Flyers first and only player drafted first overall by the club in 1975. Bridgman spent a majority of his NHL career in Orange & Black where he appeared in 462 regular season games and another 74 Stanley Cup playoff games over parts of seven seasons from 1975 to 1981. 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. 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."
The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to learn that Mel Bridgman has passed away at the age of 70.
After recording 157 points in just 66 games for the Victoria Cougars of the Western Canada Hockey League (now the WHL) in 1974-75, the Philadelphia Flyers selected Mel first… pic.twitter.com/4NYUDVokoz
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) November 8, 2025
For Flyers fans, Bridgman remains indelibly linked to an era of broad-shouldered, physical hockey in Philadelphia.
Drafted No. 1 overall in 1975 after an explosive junior career with the Victoria Cougars - the only time in franchise history the Flyers had the No. 1 overall pick in the draft - Bridgman arrived in Philadelphia as a promising two-way center who made an immediate impact — helping the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1976 and again playing a prominent role on the club that reached the Cup Final in 1980.
He spent the first seven-plus NHL seasons of his career in a Flyers sweater, including wearing the “C” from 1979–81. People who remember the era, may remember Bridgman when the Flyers wore Cooper-alls:
Mel Bridgman scored the only hat trick of his NHL career & added an assist as the Flyers beat the Pens 6-4, at the Spectrum. 10.28.81 #HFH We got the 1st one 👇 pic.twitter.com/WL4SfWU5zf
Bridgman’s profile in Philadelphia was built on a mix of skill and grit. He scored 50 points as a rookie and routinely contributed at both ends of the ice, averaging roughly 20 goals and 30 assists during his time with the Flyers and establishing himself as a dependable center in a Flyers lineup that prized effort and physical play.
Over his full NHL playing career he totaled 977 games, 252 goals and 701 points.
Mel Bridgman was tough as nails on the ice. Off the ice, a kindly and intelligent gentleman. RIP. pic.twitter.com/WOVj0QletF
After his Philadelphia tenure Bridgman’s journeyman playing career took him to several other NHL cities. He was traded to the Calgary Flames early in the 1981–82 season, enjoyed one of his most productive seasons there and later signed with the New Jersey Devils — where he again served as captain in the mid-1980s - before finishing stints with the Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks.
His highest single-season totals came in 1981-82 (33 goals, 87 points) and he finished his on-ice career in 1989 with the respect of teammates and opponents alike for a game built on intelligence and competitiveness.
Beyond his playing days, Bridgman stepped into hockey operations. In 1991 he was named the first general manager of the modern-day Ottawa Senators as that expansion franchise prepared to return to the NHL.
His tenure in Ottawa was part of the difficult birth of the new Senators, and he left the role in the spring of 1993.
His post-playing resume also included academic work - he later earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.
Tributes began to flow from across the league and from teams Bridgman helped define. The NHL Alumni Association’s announcement of his death noted his long service to the game and his leadership on multiple clubs.
The New Jersey Devils acknowledged Bridgman’s captaincy and leadership during his time there in a remembrance posted by the club.
The New Jersey Devils remember Mel Bridgman, captain of our team for four seasons in our first decade in New Jersey. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. https://t.co/LTrWWxi9Jp
For Flyers historians and longtime fans, Bridgman’s arc is an important chapter: a top draft pick who grew up in the organization, became a team captain, and helped bridge the post-Cup 1970s Philadelphia teams into the 1980s.
