Ranking The 10 Greatest Buffalo Sabres of All Time

While the Buffalo Sabres have yet to win a Stanley Cup and currently endure the longest playoff drought in North American sports, they’ve had no shortage of legendary players. Here’s a look at the 10 greatest players to ever wear the blue and gold.

1. Gilbert Perreault
The Sabres’ first-ever draft pick in 1970 remains their greatest player. Gilbert Perreault played his entire 17-season career in Buffalo, becoming the franchise leader in games, goals, assists, and points. A centerpiece of the iconic “French Connection” line, Perreault’s number 11 is rightfully retired. His dynamic play and loyalty to Buffalo solidified his place as the cornerstone of the team’s history.

2. Dominik Hasek
Dominik Hasek, one of the best goaltenders in NHL history, carried the Sabres through the 1990s. Known as “The Dominator,” Hasek won six Vezina Trophies, two Hart Trophies, and consistently led the league in save percentage. His unmatched performance in the 1999 Stanley Cup Final (.939 save percentage) remains a highlight. Hasek’s number 39 hangs in the KeyBank Center rafters, immortalizing his contributions to Buffalo hockey.

3. Rick Martin
A lethal scorer and another part of the “French Connection,” Rick Martin ranks second in franchise history in goals despite playing just 681 games. His scoring prowess earned him four All-Star selections and made him a fan favorite throughout the 1970s. Martin’s number 7 is retired, and his legacy is forever tied to the Sabres’ early years of success.

4. Alexander Mogilny
A trailblazer in NHL history, Alexander Mogilny was the first Soviet defector to join the league. Mogilny’s electrifying speed and skill led to an incredible 76-goal season in 1992-93, a mark still unmatched by any Sabres player. Though he doesn’t have his number retired, Mogilny’s impact on both the Sabres and the NHL is undeniable.

5. Dave Andreychuk
A prolific scorer and power-play specialist, Dave Andreychuk ranks second in Sabres history for points. Over 12 seasons in Buffalo, he tallied 386 goals and 161 power-play markers, making him one of the most consistent offensive threats in team history. His long career was capped by a Stanley Cup victory in 2004 and Hall of Fame induction in 2017.

6. Craig Ramsay
A two-way stalwart, Craig Ramsay was one of the league’s best defensive forwards during his time. He played over 1,000 games with the Sabres, contributing offensively while excelling defensively. Ramsay’s dedication to the franchise continued after retirement as a coach, further cementing his place in team lore.

7. Pat LaFontaine
Though his tenure with the Sabres was relatively brief, Pat LaFontaine’s offensive brilliance shone bright. Partnering with Mogilny and Andreychuk, LaFontaine produced six standout seasons, including memorable playoff performances. His number 16 is retired, and he remains one of the most skilled American-born players in NHL history.

8. Thomas Vanek
A scoring machine during the Sabres’ mid-2000s heyday, Thomas Vanek was a consistent offensive presence, with 20-goal seasons in each of his nine years in Buffalo. His best year came in 2006-07, when he netted 43 goals, helping the Sabres to the league’s best record and a deep playoff run.

9. Rene Robert
The final member of the “French Connection,” Rene Robert played a key role in legitimizing the Sabres in the 1970s. His 100-point season in 1975 helped propel the team to the Stanley Cup Final. Like his linemates, Robert’s number 14 is retired, and his legacy lives on through the statue of the trio outside the KeyBank Center.

10. Ryan Miller
The winningest goaltender in Sabres history, Ryan Miller was the backbone of the team during the 2000s. His 2010 Vezina Trophy season highlighted a career defined by consistency and resilience. Despite some high-profile goals against him, Miller’s contributions to Buffalo hockey earned him a spot among the franchise’s greats and a retired number 30.

These 10 players represent the best of the Buffalo Sabres, combining skill, loyalty, and groundbreaking achievements in a franchise searching for its first championship.