Canadian · Victoriaville, Quebec · Born 13 November 1950The heart of the French Connection line — 17 seasons as the Buffalo Sabres' greatest ever player.
Gilbert Perreault was born in Victoriaville, Quebec in 1950. Buffalo Sabres selected him first overall in the 1970 NHL Draft. His entire 17-season career was spent with the Sabres — making him the franchise's all-time leader in goals, assists and points. He won the Calder Trophy as best rookie in 1971 and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship in 1973. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. He was the centre of the French Connection line alongside Rick Martin and René Robert — one of the most offensively productive forward lines of the 1970s. He led Buffalo to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1975, losing to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games. He scored 512 career goals and 814 assists for 1,326 points — all franchise records. He is the most celebrated player in Buffalo Sabres history and one of the finest individuals in the 1970 draft class that produced Orr-era talent.
Being selected first overall by Buffalo in 1970 and leading the Sabres to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1975 as part of the famous 'French Connection' line.
How They Played
Perreault was renowned for his exceptional skating ability, considered one of the most fluid and graceful skaters in NHL history. He possessed outstanding puck-handling skills and vision, making him a dangerous offensive threat who could both score goals and set up teammates with precision passes.
Lasting Impact
Perreault established the Buffalo Sabres as a competitive franchise and remains the greatest player in team history, with his number 11 retired by the organization.
Career Honours
- Calder Trophy (1971)
- Lady Byng Trophy (1973)
- Hall of Fame (1990)
- NHL 100 Greatest Players
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Sabres | 1970–1987 | 1191 | 512 |
Canadian Athletes