Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about buffalo sabres players.
What is the Buffalo Sabres franchise?
The Buffalo Sabres are a National Hockey League team based in Buffalo, New York, competing in the Eastern Conference. They were established in 1970 as part of the NHL's expansion wave and have competed continuously since their first season in 1970-71.
Who are the most iconic players in Sabres history?
Pat LaFontaine and Mike Grier are widely considered the franchise's two all-time greats, with LaFontaine captaining the mid-1990s squad and Grier anchoring the team for over a decade. Chris Drury, who led the Sabres to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final, and modern stars like Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin round out the names most tied to the franchise's identity.
Where do the Sabres play their home games?
The team plays at KeyBank Center, a roughly 19,000-seat arena in downtown Buffalo that opened in 1995. Before that, the Sabres called the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium home from 1970 through the 1994-95 season.
Who holds the franchise's all-time scoring record?
Pat LaFontaine tops the Sabres' career scoring list with 603 goals and 1,171 points accumulated during his tenure with the team. Mike Grier sits just behind him in points with 1,046, a testament to his longevity as captain from 1997 to 2010.
What is the Sabres' best postseason run?
The franchise's deepest playoff appearance came in 2006, when they reached the Stanley Cup Final and fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games. They have reached the conference finals on other occasions but have never won the Stanley Cup.
What division and conference do the Sabres belong to?
Since the 2013-14 league realignment, the Sabres compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Prior to that shift, they were members of the Northeast Division.
Who are the most notable goaltenders in Sabres history?
Dominik Hasek is the franchise's most decorated netminder, winning the Vezina Trophy in both 1997 and 1998 while in Buffalo. More recently, Ryan Miller and Robin Lehner served as long-tenured starting goalies during their respective stints with the team.
What defines the Sabres' identity as a team?
The franchise is often described as a blue-collar organization built around physical play, grit, and a deep bond with the Buffalo community. Their fan base is known for intense loyalty and passionate support despite the team's long wait for a championship.
Who are some of the most prominent current Sabres players?
Jack Eichel, the 2017 first overall pick and current captain, and Rasmus Dahlin, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, are the franchise's marquee names in recent years. Sam Reinhart and Matt Grzelcyk have also been central contributors to the roster in the last several seasons.
How did the Sabres get started in the NHL?
The franchise was one of four expansion teams added for the 1970-71 season, alongside Atlanta, Vancouver, and St. Louis. Their early years were rough, finishing last in their division in the inaugural season, but they steadily developed into a competitive force through the 1990s.