Rick Martin

Canadian ice hockey left winger who played for Buffalo Sabres, known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and being part of the French Connection line.

Richard Lionel Martin was born in Verdun, Quebec in 1951. Buffalo Sabres selected him fifth overall in the 1971 NHL Draft. He won the Calder Trophy as best rookie in 1972 — the same year the French Connection line was formed with Gilbert Perreault at centre and René Robert on the right wing. His 11-season career produced 384 goals and 317 assists. He scored 40 or more goals in six consecutive seasons — one of the most consistent periods of goal-scoring in franchise history. He was selected to four All-Star games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. The French Connection line — Perreault, Martin and Robert — was one of the most offensively productive and celebrated forward lines of the 1970s. He was traded from Buffalo in 1981 — a move that effectively ended the French Connection era. He died in March 2011 aged 59 from a heart attack. His legacy in Buffalo is inseparable from that of Perreault and the most exciting era in Sabres history.

Martin was a natural goal scorer with an exceptional shot and quick release from the left wing position. He possessed excellent hockey sense and timing, allowing him to find open spaces in the offensive zone and capitalize on scoring opportunities. His chemistry with linemates Perreault and Robert created one of the most dynamic offensive units in NHL history.

Martin helped establish the Buffalo Sabres as a competitive franchise and remains one of the greatest players in team history. The French Connection line became legendary in hockey folklore and demonstrated the effectiveness of skilled, fast-paced offensive hockey.

• Calder Trophy (1972)
• NHL All-Star 4x
• Hall of Fame (2002)