Gilbert Perreault
The French Connection center who led the Sabres to the 1975 Stanley Cup Final and remains the franchise's all-time leader in goals, assists, and points.
via Wikipedia: Gilbert Perreault · see source
Gilbert Perreault (born November 13, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey center who played for 17 seasons with the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres. He was the first draft pick of the Sabres in their inaugural season in the NHL. He is well known as the centre man for the prolific trio of Sabres forwards known as The French Connection. The trio helped the Sabres reach the 1975 Stanley Cup Final.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Centre
- Played for
- Buffalo Sabres
- Shoots
- Left
- Born
- 13 November 1950
- Birthplace
- Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada
- Draft
- 1st overall
- Hall of Fame
- 1990
Lore & Background
Perreault was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990. Known for his ability to stickhandle in close quarters, he is regarded as one of the most skillful playmaking centers of all time. In 2017 Perreault was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history. He played his entire 17-year career with the Buffalo Sabres and continues to be the all-time franchise leader in career regular season games played, goals, assists, points, game-winning goals, and shots on goal, serving as the team's captain from 1981 until 1985, when he was succeeded by Lindy Ruff.
He led the team to 13 consecutive playoff appearances ending with the 1984–85 season. Over the course of his 17-season career he accumulated 512 goals and 814 assists in 1191 games. Among his career highlights was the game-winning goal in overtime of the 1978 National Hockey League All-Star Game played at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Perreault once totaled seven points in a single game, which remains a Sabres record.
He also recorded the first power play goal in the team's history. He is the only Buffalo Sabre to have his number 11 retired by the franchise.
Reader's Guide
Perreault was a standout junior hockey player who went on to be selected to nine National Hockey League All-Star Games and two post-season NHL All-Star teams (second team centre), while winning the Calder Memorial Trophy and a Lady Byng Trophy, and being selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gilbert Perreault?
Gilbert Perreault was the first overall pick in the 1970 NHL Draft and served as the cornerstone center for the Buffalo Sabres throughout his entire career. He spent all 17 of his professional seasons with the franchise, retiring as its most decorated player.
What role did Gilbert Perreault play on the ice?
Operating primarily as a center, Perreault was renowned for his exceptional stickhandling and elite playmaking abilities that drove the team's offense. He anchored the famous 'French Connection' line, which propelled the Sabres to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1975.
How did Gilbert Perreault's career conclude?
He played exclusively for Buffalo from 1970 until his retirement in 1986, never suiting up for another NHL club. His distinguished career culminated with a Hall of Fame induction in 1990 and recognition as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players.
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