Buffalo Sabres: 5 best draft classes in franchise history
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres have had some memorable drafts since their inaugural season in 1970. Today, we are discussing the top five.
The Buffalo Sabres have enjoyed some star-studded draft classes, or at least classes that provided serviceable NHL players, whether they made their mark in the Queen City or elsewhere. But many of the names mentioned in the following slides have made their way into Sabres lore, helping fuel some of the franchise’s most memorable eras.
And yeah, the Sabres have also had some not-so-good drafts, forgettable ones that faded into nothing more than a speck in their history books. But the following five draft classes either gave the team multiple stars or at least players who made a lasting impression in the NHL. So who are the top five draft classes in team history? Let’s meet them.
The top five drafts in Buffalo Sabres history – 1971 Draft
This draft was responsible for bringing the legendary Rick Martin to the club, who of course formed one-third of the famed French Connection. One of the best players in NHL history, Martin scored 701 times (384 goals) in 685 games. All but four of those contests came with the Sabres.
The 1971 class was also notable for 19th overall pick, Craig Ramsay, who put up 672 points in (252 goals) in 1,070 games with the Sabres. Bill Hajt, drafted 33rd overall, was another big name in Buffalo Sabres spheres. An occasional two-way player, Hajt saw time in 854 NHL games, compiling 42 goals and 244 total points, all with the Sabres.
Bob Richer, drafted 47th overall, also saw three games of NHL action. Others from the 1971 draft class include defenseman Steve Warr and center Pierre Duguay.