Perreault quickly established himself as a dynamic player with exceptional skating ability and stickhandling skills. In his rookie season, he scored 38 goals and earned the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. His performance helped lay the foundation for the Sabres, a new expansion team at the time, and he became the centerpiece of the franchise.
Throughout his career, Perreault was known for his creativity on the ice and his ability to control the pace of the game. He was the leader of the famed "French Connection" line, which included fellow Quebec natives Rick Martin and Rene Robert. This line became one of the most productive and exciting trios in the NHL during the 1970s, captivating fans with their offensive prowess and chemistry.
Perreault's skill set was not limited to scoring goals; he was also an adept playmaker. His vision and passing ability allowed him to set up his teammates for scoring opportunities, making him a dual threat on the ice. Over his career, he amassed 512 goals and 814 assists, totaling 1,326 points in 1,191 regular-season games. These statistics underscore his role as a consistent offensive force for the Sabres.
In addition to his regular-season success, Perreault also excelled in the playoffs. He played in 90 postseason games, recording 103 points. His leadership and performance were instrumental in guiding the Sabres to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1975, where they faced the Philadelphia Flyers. Although the Sabres did not win the championship, Perreault's efforts were widely recognized.
Perreault's excellence on the ice earned him numerous accolades. He was selected to the NHL All-Star Game nine times and was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team twice. His contributions to the Sabres were further acknowledged when he became the first player in franchise history to have his number, 11, retired by the team.
Internationally, Perreault represented Canada in several tournaments. He was part of the 1972 Summit Series team, which faced the Soviet Union in a historic eight-game series. Although he played in only two games, his participation in such a significant event highlighted his status as one of the top players of his era. He also played for Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup, contributing to the team's victory in the tournament.
Injuries occasionally hampered Perreault's career, but he remained a vital player for the Sabres until his retirement in 1987. His departure from the game marked the end of an era for Buffalo, as he had been the face of the franchise for 17 seasons. Perreault's legacy in the NHL was cemented with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to his skill, leadership, and influence on the sport.
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