Sabres introduce Rick Martin Memorial Award for 2020-21 season

The Buffalo Sabres are giving fans the opportunity to vote for the recipient of the Rick Martin Memorial Award. Starting this season, "The Rico" will be presented annually to the player whom fans believe best embodies what it means to be a Buffalo Sabre.
Few players left as large an impact on the Buffalo Sabres franchise as Rick Martin. The two-time 50 goal scorer played 10 seasons in Buffalo and remained an active member of the community until his death in 2011.
"Rico" played 681 games for the Sabres (3rd in franchise history) with 382 goals (2nd) and 695 points (3rd). His number 7 hangs from the rafters alongside Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert, his linemates on the famed French Connection.
- CAST YOUR VOTE NOW

As Rick Jeanneret once noted, "He loved the game. He loved to play."
Martin's influence also extended off the ice. He was lauded as an exceptional teammate who loved to have fun.
"Rick Martin never said, 'No' to anybody. He was great with the fans," Sabres alumnus Fred Stanfield said. "He never missed an autograph session. I had a lot of respect for Rick Martin."

Fans are encouraged to vote for the player they believe best demonstrates on-ice excellence, resiliency, and a dedication to the community.
Fans can visit Sabres.com/RicoVote to cast their vote now. The initial polls will close on April 26 at 5 p.m. ET. The five players with the most votes will move on to a final round of voting from April 27 through April 30.
The award is presented by the Sabres' Gold Ring Partners: KeyBank, BlueCross BlueShield, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and LECOM.