Rick Martin and the Early Stars

A key member of the French Connection line and a record-setting rookie.

Rick Martin was a professional ice hockey player for the Buffalo Sabres. He was drafted fifth overall by the Sabres in the 1971 NHL amateur draft. Martin played for the Sabres from 1971 to 1981.

Quick Facts

Tenure: 1971–1981
Origin: 1971 NHL Amateur Draft

Lore & Background

Martin joined the Sabres in his rookie season of 1971–72 and broke Gilbert Perreault's rookie goal-scoring record with 44 goals. He formed part of the French Connection line with Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert, playing together from 1972 to 1979. Martin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1981. His jersey number 7 has been retired by the Sabres, and a statue of the French Connection line stands outside KeyBank Center.

Reader's Guide

Rick Martin is remembered as a key member of the French Connection line and one of the top forwards in Sabres history. His rookie goal-scoring record and contributions to the team's early success are highlights of his career.

More in Club History & Eras

1970 Expansion Era The 'Sawdust' Years The 1974-75 Stanley Cup Final Run Danny Gare and the Power Forward Era The 'Sawdust' Years (Revisited)Gilbert Perreault Hall of Fame Career Mike Keenan Coaching Era (1987-1994)Ron Duguay The Flash Era Pat LaFontaine Captaincy Years Floyd Smith Head Coaching Tenure The Lost Decade Playoff Drought Scotty Bowman Head Coaching Tenure

Elsewhere in Buffalo Sabres

Blue Line Chant · Stadium & Culture Don Cherry · Legendary Players & Coaches Craig Ramsay · Legendary Players & Coaches Chris Drury · Legendary Players & Coaches 1975 Stanley Cup Finals Game 6 vs Philadelphia Flyers · Iconic Matches & Moments Montreal Canadiens · Great Rivalries

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