Don Edwards
Edwards only spent six seasons inside the net for the Buffalo Sabres. But they were among the best years we had seen from a goaltender until Barrasso took over shortly after Edwards departed. His journey in the Queen City started in 1976-77, where the Sabres knew they had a special talent when Edwards secured an 0.899 save percentage and a 2.52 GAA.
It was just a 25-game trial, but Edwards passed with flying colors, excuse the cliché. The next season, he finished in third for the Calder, earned Second-Team All-Star honors, and took fourth for the Hart. And Don was just getting started, as he won the Vezina and Second Team All-Star honors for the 1979-80 season.
He continued to contend for the Vezina and a spot on the NHL All-Star Team until he left for the Calgary Flames. Much like Sauve, Edwards was not as effective in the net after departing Buffalo, and the same held true throughout his final season in Toronto.
During Edwards’ six years with the Sabres, he allowed over three goals per game just twice. When he went elsewhere, Edwards’ GAA never moved south of the 4.00 mark.