Mel Bridgman, Flyers' 1975 No. 1 pick and key to their 1980 unbeaten streak, has died at 70.

Mel Bridgman, the Philadelphia Flyers' first No. 1 overall draft pick in 1975 and a key player during their 1980 35-game unbeaten streak, has died at age 70. He played 14 seasons in the NHL, totaling 977 games, 252 goals, and 701 points with the Flyers, Calgary, New Jersey, Detroit, and Vancouver. Bridgman served as captain for both the Flyers (1979–1981) and Devils (1984–1987), and after retiring in 1989, became the first general manager of the Ottawa Senators from 1991 to 1993. The NHL Alumni Association confirmed his passing, though the cause was not disclosed.