From 1972-1979 three professional hockey players formed one of the most dominant lines in National Hockey League history. Soon after its creation the line was named The French Connection after the famous hit movie of 1971. The line consisted of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert, each of whom received numerous honors over the courses of their careers together for the Buffalo Sabres.
Gilbert Perreault was drafted first over all in Buffalo's inaugural season in the 1970 entry draft, and played his entire 17-season career in a Sabres sweater wearing #11. Perreault is the most decorated player of the French Connection holding numerous franchise records including goals, assists, points, game winning goals, 30-goal seasons, 20-goal seasons, shots on goal, and regular season games played. Perreault's jersey was retired in a ceremony on October 17th, 1990 and was inducted into the National Hockey Hall of Fame.
Rick Martin was also drafted first over all by Buffalo in 1971 and also played his entire 11-year career (cut short due to injury) with the Sabres. Perreault is not the only member of the French Connection that holds franchise records, as Martin holds records for the most career hatricks, four-goal games, 40-goal seasons, consecutive 40-goal seasons, 50-goal seasons, and consecutive 50-goal seasons.
The final member of the French Connection, Rene Robert, was acquired in a trade on March 4th, 1972 and remained with the Sabres until he was traded on October 5th 1979, to the then Colorado Rockies. Robert was the least known member of the French Connection, but made his name with his ability to play the point on the powerplay and penalty killing unit. He was considered to be the most well rounded member of the French Connection, always willing to work hard in the corners and give up his body for the better of the line and team.
The trio was the first three players to accumulate 200 goals each for the Sabres, and Robert's #14 and Martin's #7 jerseys were also raised into the Sabres rafters on November 15th 1995 along side Perreault's. The French Connection helped contribute to the early success of a young Sabres franchise, and brought hockey to the forefront in western New York. Their impact is still fresh in the minds of members of the Buffalo community, who hope the magic they brought to the ice can be resurrected in future years for the organization.
