Mel Bridgman, a center selected first overall in the 1975 NHL draft who played two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings near the end of his career, has died. He was 70.

The Red Wings acquired Bridgman from the New Jersey Devils on March 9, 1987, for Chris Cichocki and a third-round pick.

Bridgman played on the Red Wings teams that reached the Campbell Conference Finals in 1987 and 1988, losing both times to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers. He had nine goals and 12 points in 32 playoff games during those seasons.

Bridgman appeared in 70 regular season games for Detroit, collecting eight goals and 21 points.

He finished his career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1988-89 before going into management. He was named the first general manager of the Ottawa Senators in 1991, a

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