NHL: The best captain in each team’s history (Updated 2023)

Best NHL captain from each franchise: Buffalo Sabres – Gilbert Perreault

17 years. That’s how long Gilbert Perreault played with the Buffalo Sabres as he spent his entire career with a hockey team he helped put on the map. Even though Perreault was captain from just 1981-1986, it was during this time he truly proved how much of an impact he’d have on the franchise.

Perreault still holds the franchise record for career regular-season games, assists, goals, points, and of course, game-winning goals. He even totaled a franchise-record seven points in a single game without even breaking a sweat. Talk about leading by example in the grand scheme of things.

Considered one of the best centers of all-time, he was one part of the infamous French Connection that dominated the scene back in the 70s. They scored early and often with Perreault leading the charge as his impact across the franchise throughout his career is that of legend. Thankfully, the Sabres took care of his legacy by doing what should have been a long time ago.

The Sabres have honored everything Perreault did for the franchise by officially retiring his number No. 11. It is now forever remembered for everything he accomplished on the Sabres, especially for representing the team so well eight times in the NHL All-Star Game.