5 best first-round picks in Buffalo Sabres history

By Sion Fawkes | Jan 28, 2022

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: New Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula stands with former Sabres palyers Rene Robert #14, Rick Martin #7 and Gilbert Perreault #11 during pre game ceremonies prior to play against the Atlanta Thrashers at HSBC Arena on February 23, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – FEBRUARY 13: A view of the banners of Rene Robert #14, Gilbert Perreault #11 and Richard Martin that hang in the rafters during the NHL game of the Buffalo Sabres against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 13, 2008 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

Rick Martin

Drafted fifth overall in 1971, Martin commanded the Sabres’ attack for a decade before concluding his career with the Los Angeles Kings. He was more than just one of the best players in Buffalo during the 1970s; he played in seven straight NHL All-Star Games and earned a spot on the NHL All-Star Team four times, twice as a first-teamer.

Martin is currently 13th all-time in career hat tricks, accomplishing the feat 21 times in his storied career. He’s also 12th all-time in career goals per game with 0.56. Martin is a member of the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame and his #7 jersey hangs in the rafters of the KeyBank Center.

Martin is also a member of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. Along with Perreault and Rene Robert, Martin gave Sabres fans plenty of memorable evenings during the franchise’s formative days, with the trio achieving the nickname The French Connection.

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