Rick Martin
Richard Lionel "Rick" Martin (July 26, 1951 – March 13, 2011) was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played eleven seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), primarily with the Buffalo Sabres, where he formed part of the renowned "French Connection" line and became one of the league's premier goal scorers in the 1970s.[1][2][3] Born in Verdun, Quebec, to a Scottish father and French mother, Martin honed his skills with the Montreal Junior Canadiens before being selected fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft.[3][2][4] In his rookie season of 1971–72, he tallied 44 goals and 74 points, establishing himself as a dynamic offensive force alongside center Gilbert Perreault and right winger René Robert on the "French Connection" line, which powered the Sabres to the 1975 Stanley Cup Final.[4][2] Over his decade with Buffalo, Martin amassed 382 goals and 695 points in 681 games, ranking second in franchise scoring behind Perreault and leading the team with 21 hat tricks.[3][4] Martin's peak years included back-to-back 52-goal seasons in 1973–74 and 1974–75, making him the first Sabres player to reach the 50-goal mark, and earning him selections to the NHL First All-Star Team in 1974 and 1975, as well as the Second Team in 1976 and 1977.[2][4] He also won the MVP award at the 1977 NHL All-Star Game with two third-period goals.[2] Injuries curtailed his career, leading to a trade to the Los Angeles Kings in 1981, where he appeared in just four games before retiring at age 30; overall, he recorded 384 goals and 701 points in 685 NHL games.[2][4][1] Known among teammates for his happy-go-lucky personality, Martin settled in the Buffalo area after retirement and was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.[3][4] The Sabres honored his legacy by retiring his number 7 jersey on November 15, 1995.[3] He died at age 59 in Clarence, New York, from a heart attack while driving, leaving behind his wife and three sons.[2][3]Early Life and Junior Career
Family Background and Upbringing
Richard Lionel Martin was born on July 26, 1951, in Verdun, Quebec, Canada.[5][3] He was the son of a Scottish father and a French mother, embodying the blended cultural influences common in Quebec's French-Canadian communities.[3] Raised in the nearby suburb of LaSalle within the greater Montreal area, Martin experienced a childhood immersed in the province's vibrant hockey culture during the 1950s and 1960s.[6] Local outdoor rinks and community ponds provided ample opportunities for young boys like Martin to hone their skating and stickhandling skills, fostering his initial passion for the sport.[3] Family encouragement played a key role in nurturing his talent, as his parents supported his early pursuits amid the tight-knit, working-class environment of Montreal's west island.[3] These formative years in Quebec laid the foundation for his development, leading him to organized youth hockey programs in the region.Montreal Junior Canadiens Achievements
Rick Martin joined the Montreal Junior Canadiens of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) in 1968 after a standout rookie season in the Quebec Junior Hockey League, where he recorded 73 points with the Thetford Mines Canadiens.[6] Over three seasons with the Junior Canadiens from 1968 to 1971, he emerged as a prolific goal scorer, displaying exceptional wrist strength and a developing slapshot that would become hallmarks of his style. In his first year (1968–69), Martin contributed 43 points in 52 regular-season games and added 3 points in the Memorial Cup tournament, helping the team claim its first national junior championship.[7] Martin's development accelerated under head coach Roger Bedard, who emphasized disciplined play and skill refinement; Bedard later described Martin as an "honest hockey player" with untapped potential ahead of the 1971 NHL Draft.[8] This guidance aided Martin's improvements in skating agility and shooting accuracy, enabling him to adapt to the OHA's competitive pace. In 1969–70, despite playing only 34 regular-season games due to injury, he posted 55 points and dominated the playoffs with 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 16 games. His standout Memorial Cup performance that year—27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 12 games—played a pivotal role in the Junior Canadiens' second consecutive title, defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings 2–0 in the final series.[7][9] Martin's pinnacle came in the 1970–71 season, his draft-eligible year, when he led the OHA in goals with 71 and tallied 121 points in 60 games, ranking sixth in overall scoring. He followed with 24 playoff points (17 goals, 7 assists) in 11 games, though the team fell short of another Memorial Cup. These achievements highlighted his explosive offensive prowess and solidified his reputation as one of junior hockey's top prospects.[10][11] Martin's junior tenure with the Junior Canadiens culminated in his selection fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft.[5]Professional Playing Career
Draft and Early Years with Buffalo Sabres
Martin was selected fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, following a standout junior career with the Montreal Junior Canadiens.[1][11] In his rookie season of 1971–72, Martin appeared in 73 games, scoring 44 goals and adding 30 assists for 74 points, which set Buffalo franchise records for a rookie's goals and points at the time.[1][5] His performance earned him second place in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, behind goaltender Ken Dryden of the Montreal Canadiens.[12][6] Martin scored his first NHL goal on October 12, 1971, against the St. Louis Blues, and notched his first hat trick just 18 days later on October 30 against the Vancouver Canucks.[6] Transitioning from junior hockey, Martin adapted to the NHL's greater physical demands and faster pace by leveraging his powerful slapshot, which became a signature weapon despite the league's rugged style of play.[13][4] He quickly built chemistry with center Gilbert Perreault, another Quebec native and the Sabres' inaugural draft pick, forming the foundation of what would emerge as the French Connection line.[14] Over the following seasons, Martin's production continued to rise. In 1972–73, he recorded 37 goals and 73 points in 75 games, leading the Sabres in shots on goal with 299.[1][11] His breakout came in 1973–74, when he achieved a career-high 52 goals and 86 points in 78 games, marking his second consecutive 40-goal season and helping propel Buffalo to a strong playoff position.[1][15]The French Connection Line
The French Connection line was formed during the 1972–73 season when Buffalo Sabres coach Punch Imlach united center Gilbert Perreault with left winger Rick Martin and right winger René Robert, all Quebec natives whose seamless on-ice synergy earned them the nickname after the 1971 film The French Connection.[16][17] This trio quickly became the Sabres' offensive engine, with Perreault's elite playmaking vision setting up Martin's explosive one-timer shots from the left circle and Robert's opportunistic finishing along the boards.[16] Martin's role as the line's primary goal scorer exemplified their chemistry, as he converted Perreault's precise passes into high-volume scoring; in the 1974–75 season alone, Martin netted 52 goals while benefiting from Perreault's 57 assists and Robert's complementary net-front presence.[5][16] His powerful, quick-release wrister terrorized goaltenders, often capitalizing on the duo's cycle play to create odd-man rushes and tip-in opportunities.[16] During their peak from 1974 to 1978, the line dominated offensively, with Martin achieving multiple 40-plus goal seasons (52 in 1973–74, 52 in 1974–75, and 49 in 1975–76), while the trio combined for nearly 300 points in standout campaigns like 1974–75 (291 total: Martin 95, Perreault 96, Robert 100).[5][18][19] In 1975–76, they amassed 286 points collectively, powering the Sabres' league-leading offense and propelling the team to the Stanley Cup Finals that spring.[5][18][19] The line's effectiveness waned in the late 1970s due to injuries, particularly Martin's chronic back issues during the 1979–80 season, which limited his mobility and forced adjustments to their dynamic despite his still-impressive 45 goals.[2][5] These ailments, compounded by earlier ankle problems, disrupted the trio's rhythm and foreshadowed Martin's eventual departure from Buffalo.[2]Trade to Los Angeles Kings and Retirement
On March 10, 1981, amid general manager Scotty Bowman's roster overhaul of the Buffalo Sabres, the team traded forward Rick Martin and center Don Luce to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the Kings' third-round pick in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft (No. 60 overall, Colin Chisholm) and first-round pick in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft (No. 5 overall, Tom Barrasso).[20][21] Martin, recovering from knee surgery performed in February 1981 following an injury sustained in November 1980, appeared in just one game for the Kings during the remainder of the 1980–81 season, where he scored one goal and added one assist.[11][22] In the 1981–82 season, persistent issues with his right knee restricted Martin to three games with the Kings, in which he recorded one goal and three assists for four points.[11] On December 12, 1981, Martin announced his retirement from the NHL at age 30, stating that medical advice indicated continuing to play would risk permanent damage to his knee and potential mobility issues later in life.[23][6] Over 11 NHL seasons primarily with the Sabres, he amassed 384 goals and 317 assists for 701 points in 685 games.[11]International and All-Star Involvement
1976 Canada Cup Performance
Rick Martin was selected to Team Canada for the inaugural 1976 Canada Cup, joining a roster stacked with NHL luminaries including Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Bobby Hull, and his Buffalo Sabres linemate Gilbert Perreault.[24] The tournament, held from September 2 to 18, 1976, across several Canadian cities, featured six nations in a round-robin format followed by a best-of-three final between the top two teams.[25] Martin appeared in four of Team Canada's seven games, recording three goals and two assists for five points.[24] His most notable contribution came in the tournament opener on September 2, 1976, against Finland at the Ottawa Civic Centre, where he notched a hat trick and added two assists in an 11-2 rout.[26] Martin's goals included a power-play tally in the first period assisted by Guy Lafleur and Guy Lapointe, and two more in the third period set up by Denis Potvin and Perreault on one, and Perreault and Lafleur on the other; he also assisted on goals by Reggie Leach and Perreault.[26] This five-point performance highlighted his chemistry with Perreault, as the duo connected on multiple plays, mirroring their club-level synergy on Buffalo's French Connection line.[26] Team Canada finished first in the round-robin stage with a 4-1 record, outscoring opponents 24-7 despite a 1-0 shutout loss to Czechoslovakia on September 10.[25] Advancing to the final against the second-place Czechs, Canada swept the best-of-three series 2-0, securing the championship with a 6-0 victory on September 13 and a 5-4 overtime win on September 15. Martin's efforts, though limited to the early games, contributed to the team's dominant offensive output in the preliminary round.[24]NHL All-Star Game Selections
Rick Martin earned his first NHL All-Star Game selection in 1972 as a rookie with the Buffalo Sabres, marking the beginning of seven consecutive appearances from 1972 to 1978 that underscored his rapid rise to elite status in the league.[1] These invitations highlighted his exceptional goal-scoring prowess, as he was chosen to represent the East Division in the early games before the conference format shifted in 1975.[7] Across these seven All-Star Games, Martin tallied 4 goals and 3 assists, contributing to key moments such as the Wales Conference's dominant 7-0 victory in 1975, where he recorded an assist.[27] His standout performance came in the 1977 game at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, where he scored both of the Wales Conference's third-period goals, including the game-winner with under two minutes remaining, to secure a 4-3 win and earn the All-Star Game MVP award.[28][29] Martin's All-Star tenure evolved from that of a promising young sharpshooter sharing the ice with legends like Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr to a seasoned veteran relied upon for clutch scoring in high-profile showcases.[30] These appearances solidified his reputation as one of the NHL's premier goal-scorers during the 1970s, reflecting consistent recognition from peers and league officials for his offensive impact.[4]Achievements and Records
Individual Awards and Milestones
Rick Martin garnered significant individual recognition for his exceptional goal-scoring ability throughout his NHL tenure. He was selected to the NHL First All-Star Team as a left winger in the 1973–74 and 1974–75 seasons, following his back-to-back 52-goal performances, and earned Second All-Star Team honors in 1975–76 and 1976–77.[4] In the 1977 NHL All-Star Game held at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, Martin delivered a standout performance with two third-period goals for the Wales Conference, including the game-winner at 18:04 to secure a 4–3 victory over the Campbell Conference, earning him the All-Star Game MVP award and a new car as a prize.[1][29] Martin's scoring consistency was evident in his five 40-goal seasons between 1971–72 and 1979–80, a franchise mark for the Buffalo Sabres, during which he became the first player in team history to reach the 50-goal plateau twice, in 1973–74 and 1974–75.[31] He also set Sabres records for the most career hat tricks (21) and the most four-goal games (3), underscoring his explosive offensive capabilities.[32] Key career milestones included Martin becoming the first Sabres player to score 100 goals, achieved on December 9, 1973, in a 5–2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his 300th NHL goal, scored as part of a hat trick on October 28, 1978, in a 7–7 tie against the St. Louis Blues, making him the first in franchise history to reach that total.[33]Team Accomplishments
During the 1974–75 season, Rick Martin played a pivotal role in the Buffalo Sabres' run to the Stanley Cup Finals, where the team ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.[34] Martin contributed 7 goals and 8 assists over 17 playoff games, helping power the Sabres' offense through the preliminary rounds against the Chicago Black Hawks and the quarterfinals against the Montreal Canadiens.[5] His scoring, including key goals in the series, exemplified the team's high-powered attack that led them to their first-ever Finals appearance.[35] The Sabres achieved significant regular-season success during Martin's tenure, capturing the Adams Division title in 1974–75 with a league-best 113 points and again in 1979–80 with 110 points.[36][37] These accomplishments fueled deep playoff runs, including a preliminary-round victory over the St. Louis Blues in 1976, where Martin scored once in three games as Buffalo advanced 2–1.[38] Martin's consistent production, such as his 52 goals in the 1974–75 regular season, bolstered the team's overall offensive totals and established them as contenders in the Wales Conference.[5] Central to the Sabres' offensive identity in the 1970s was the French Connection line, featuring Martin alongside Gilbert Perreault and René Robert, which drove the franchise's early growth and excitement in Buffalo.[35] The trio's chemistry and scoring prowess, combining for over 140 goals in the 1974–75 season alone, transformed the expansion-era Sabres into a dynamic, fan-favorite team that filled arenas and elevated the sport's popularity in the region.[35] Their play not only contributed to playoff successes but also symbolized the Sabres' emergence as a competitive force in the NHL.[39] Martin's time with the Los Angeles Kings was brief, as he appeared in just four games after being traded late in the 1980–81 season and playing sparingly in 1981–82 before retiring, recording 2 goals and 4 assists.[5] Although Martin had retired by then, the Kings advanced to the playoffs in 1981–82.[40]Post-Retirement Life
Business Ventures
After retiring from professional hockey in 1982, Rick Martin pursued a variety of entrepreneurial activities in the Western New York region, drawing on his local celebrity status to foster business connections. One of his primary ventures was co-founding Globalquest Solutions Inc., an information technology consulting firm based in Williamsville, New York, alongside his wife, Martha Martin. Established around 2001, the company specialized in systems integration, network support, and IT solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, with Martin serving as vice-president of sales and marketing.[41] He was also involved in Globalquest Staffing Solutions and owned a bar in the area. Globalquest grew steadily over its first decade, providing Martin with a stable platform in the burgeoning tech sector during the late 1990s and early 2000s economic recovery. The firm was acquired in 2015 by two experienced technology entrepreneurs, marking a successful exit for its founders after 14 years of operation.[42] In addition to technology, Martin explored other investment opportunities, including advisory roles in financial services and a stake in a gold mining operation in Africa during the mid-2000s. These pursuits reflected his interest in high-risk, high-reward sectors, though details on their outcomes remain limited.[41]Community Engagement
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1982, Rick Martin maintained a strong connection to the Buffalo Sabres organization as an active alumni member, participating in various events that strengthened ties among former players and the local fanbase. He frequently joined fellow French Connection linemates Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert for golf outings, which became legendary among Sabres alumni for their camaraderie and shared reminiscences of the team's early years.[43] These gatherings often extended to broader alumni initiatives, where Martin served as a proud ambassador, engaging with fans and preserving the spirit of the franchise through personal interactions. Martin was a dedicated philanthropist who leveraged his celebrity to support local causes in Buffalo, with a particular focus on aiding disadvantaged and at-risk youth. After visiting Compass House—a nonprofit providing shelter, counseling, and resources for runaway and homeless teens—he became an avid supporter, inspired by the challenges faced by the young residents and committed to advancing the organization's mission of empowerment and stability.[44] His involvement included promoting fundraising efforts, such as golf tournaments that raised funds for youth services, helping to secure essential support for vulnerable children in the community.[45] As a community fixture, Martin never declined opportunities to mentor emerging talent or appear at public events, offering guidance to young players and fans alike while embodying the Sabres' legacy of resilience and generosity. His hands-on approach extended to autograph sessions and charity appearances, where he shared insights from his career to inspire the next generation. Occasionally tying into his business interests, these engagements allowed him to host informal gatherings that blended professional networking with community service.[46]Personal Life and Death
Family and Relationships
Rick Martin married Martha J. "Mikey" Hale in the 1970s, and the couple settled in western New York, where they raised their family in a vintage farmhouse in Newstead that Martin purchased in 1980.[47][48] Together, they had three sons: Cory, Josh, and Erick.[47] The Martin family made their home in the Buffalo area throughout his NHL career, allowing Martin to balance the league's extensive travel demands with family responsibilities during off-seasons and home stands.[48] His sons pursued various interests, with Cory, for instance, actively participating in Sabres-related commemorative events honoring his father's legacy.[49] Martin's family provided steadfast support during his injury challenges, including the severe back issues that shortened his playing career in the early 1980s.[50] His close friendships with French Connection linemates Gilbert Perreault and René Robert extended beyond the ice to personal and family gatherings, with the trio maintaining strong bonds that included shared living arrangements early in their Buffalo tenure and lifelong camaraderie.[48][51]Health Decline and Passing
Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1982, Rick Martin continued to experience the effects of recurring back and knee injuries sustained during his career, with the most severe being a knee injury in November 1980 that involved significant cartilage damage after a collision with Washington Capitals goaltender Mike Palmateer.[2] These injuries, including earlier back issues, had begun to limit his play in the late 1970s and ultimately shortened his NHL tenure.[2] On March 13, 2011, Martin suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 59 while driving in Clarence, New York, leading to a single-vehicle accident; he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.[2] An autopsy later determined the cause to be hypertensive heart disease.[52] A public memorial service for Martin was held on March 24, 2011, at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, drawing thousands of fans and featuring tributes from former teammates, including members of the French Connection line, in a ceremony lasting over an hour.[53] In October 2011, researchers at Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy conducted a posthumous analysis of Martin's brain tissue, diagnosing him with stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative condition associated with repeated head trauma from his hockey career; he was the first non-enforcer NHL player to receive such a diagnosis.[54] The study noted that Martin's only documented concussion occurred in 1978, when his head struck the ice during a game, but cumulative subconcussive impacts were implicated in the brain damage.[55]Legacy
Impact on the Buffalo Sabres
Rick Martin's tenure with the Buffalo Sabres from 1971 to 1981 was instrumental in transforming the expansion franchise into a legitimate NHL contender during the 1970s, particularly through his contributions to the iconic "French Connection" line alongside Gilbert Perreault and René Robert.[35][56] As the left winger, Martin's explosive scoring ability—highlighted by his powerful wrist shot and speed—complemented Perreault's playmaking and Robert's finishing, enabling the line to dominate offensively and propel the Sabres to consistent playoff appearances, including their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1975.[16][3] This success not only elevated the team's competitiveness but also significantly boosted the Sabres' fan base in Buffalo, fostering a passionate following for the young franchise amid the NHL's expansion era.[57][58] The "French Connection" line became a cornerstone of the Sabres' identity, embodying the franchise's early emphasis on speed, skill, and French-Canadian flair, which resonated deeply with fans and defined Buffalo's hockey culture for generations.[16][39] Martin's role as the goal-scoring finisher on this dynamic trio influenced the team's offensive philosophy and inspired subsequent generations of Sabres wingers to prioritize high-volume shooting and net-front presence.[4] The line's enduring legacy is evident in its recognition as one of the most exciting units in NHL history, shaping the Sabres' reputation as a fast-paced, entertaining club.[16] Martin's No. 7 jersey holds profound significance within the franchise, retired in 1995 alongside Perreault's No. 11 and Robert's No. 14 to honor the "French Connection" as a collective unit, symbolizing his lasting inspiration for future players despite the shared banner retirement.[59][60] Statistically, his impact endures in the Sabres' record books, where his 382 goals rank second all-time behind Perreault's 512; he set the all-time team record for hat tricks with 21, and his points total of 695 was later surpassed by players like Dave Andreychuk.[4][3][61]Posthumous Honors and Recognition
Following Rick Martin's death in 2011, the Buffalo Sabres organization unveiled a bronze statue honoring the French Connection line—featuring Martin alongside Gilbert Perreault and René Robert—outside the KeyBank Center (then First Niagara Center) on October 12, 2012. The sculpture, created by sculptor Jerry McKenna, depicts the trio in a celebratory embrace after a goal, symbolizing their dynamic play that defined the franchise's early success. During the unveiling ceremony, attendees including Martin's son Cory wore "Rico 7" pins to commemorate the winger's jersey number and nickname, with the event drawing thousands of fans and Sabres alumni.[49] The Sabres established the annual Rick Martin Memorial Award, known as "The Rico," shortly after his passing to recognize a current player exemplifying on-ice excellence, resiliency, and community dedication—qualities Martin embodied throughout his career. Fan voting determines the recipient, with the award presented each spring; recent winners include Alex Tuch, who earned it for the third consecutive year in 2024-25. This ongoing tribute integrates Martin's legacy into team traditions, often highlighted during end-of-season ceremonies.[62] While Martin has not been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, his candidacy has sparked ongoing discussions among hockey analysts, who cite his scoring prowess and the French Connection's impact as strong cases despite career-shortening injuries. Posthumous recognition of the line, such as the 2012 statue, has bolstered arguments for his enshrinement. Media retrospectives, including the Sabres' 2025 archival video "Remembering Rick Martin" featuring tributes from teammates like Danny Gare and Don Luce, continue to celebrate his contributions through documentaries and broadcasts.[31][63]Career Statistics
NHL Regular Season and Playoffs
Rick Martin played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), primarily with the Buffalo Sabres from 1971 to 1981 before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he finished his career in 1981–82. Over 685 regular-season games, he recorded 384 goals, 317 assists, and 701 points, along with 477 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a prolific sniper known for his powerful wrist shot.[5][7] Martin's scoring prowess peaked in the mid-1970s, with career-highs of 52 goals in both the 1973–74 and 1974–75 seasons, the latter also marking his point total high of 95. He reached the 40-goal mark five times, but his production declined in later years due to chronic back injuries that limited his mobility and playing time. By team, Martin amassed 382 goals in 681 games with the Sabres, compared to 2 goals in 4 games with the Kings.[5][7][11] The following table summarizes Martin's NHL regular-season statistics by season:| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971–72 | BUF | 73 | 44 | 30 | 74 | 36 |
| 1972–73 | BUF | 75 | 37 | 36 | 73 | 79 |
| 1973–74 | BUF | 78 | 52 | 34 | 86 | 38 |
| 1974–75 | BUF | 68 | 52 | 43 | 95 | 72 |
| 1975–76 | BUF | 80 | 49 | 37 | 86 | 67 |
| 1976–77 | BUF | 66 | 36 | 29 | 65 | 58 |
| 1977–78 | BUF | 65 | 28 | 35 | 63 | 16 |
| 1978–79 | BUF | 73 | 32 | 21 | 53 | 35 |
| 1979–80 | BUF | 80 | 45 | 34 | 79 | 54 |
| 1980–81 | BUF/LAK | 24 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 20 |
| 1981–82 | LAK | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Career | 685 | 384 | 317 | 701 | 477 |