The best at 11

As the Buffalo Sabres look to the draft and the 11th overall pick, they should take a look at the one of the best players to lace it up for the organization. In 1979, they drafted defenseman Mike Ramsey from the University of Minnesota with the 11th overall pick. Ramsey went on to have a storied NHL and Olympic career.

Before reporting to Buffalo, Ramsey was a part of the 1980 Olympic hockey team that saw them upset the Russians en route to a gold medal. He went on to have two assists during the Olympics. Mike was coached during the games by Herb Brooks, who was his college coach when he attended Minnesota.

Starting in 1980, he became a staple for the Sabres, playing in four All-star games and was a team captain from 1990 to 1992. In his first full season in 1980/1981, the Sabres won the Adams division regular season championship.

Ramsey's highest point total during the season as a member of Buffalo was the 1986/1987 season. He scored 39 points during the season, with 31 assists. In addition, he was an All-star during the 1986 season.

The defenseman finished his career with the Sabres following the 1992 season. He would go on to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings. During his career, Ramsey played in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1995 with the Red Wings and retired following the 1997 season.

He returned to the Sabres as an assistant coach under Lindy Ruff in 1997. Mike was an assistant on a team that saw the organization return to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999. Ramsey was elected to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 and is remembered as having one of the most successful careers post-Olympic career.

The NHL Draft takes place at the end of June in Las Vegas. As the Sabres look at what to do with the 11th overall pick, they should look back at their history and a player such as Mike Ramsey to emulate.