Gerry McNamara, former Toronto Maple Leaf general manager, passed away at the age of 90.
Maple Leaf confirms his death In a social media post on Saturday. The cause of death has not been announced.
“Gerry had a lasting impact on the organization, most notably bringing Börje Salming to Toronto, paving the way for the NHL’s future generations,” the team said. “As general manager, he continued to shape the franchise, including the selection of Wendel Clark as the first overall draft pick in the 1985 entry draft.”
McNamara played professional hockey as a goalkeeper for eight seasons, mainly in the minor leagues, with a total of seven NHLs starting in the 1960-61 and 1969-70 Leafs.
He was hired as a Boy Scout in 1972 and was praised for bringing Swedish defensive Borje Salming to the team in 1973.
In October 1981, after Punch Imlach fell ill, he was appointed acting general manager and officially became the seventh general manager of the team in June of the following year.
During McNamara’s reign, the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs three times, finishing above fourth place in only five teams, Norris. However, the 1985-86 season allowed the Maple Leafs to sweep the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round and then brought the St. Louis Blues to seven games in the finals.
Toronto was the worst 15-32-9 in the league, including when he was fired on February 7, 1988, including a 15-game winning streak.
