Dahlin, Miller highlight Sabres’ NHL quarter-century team

The best players from one of the NHL’s Sun Belt franchises over the past 25 years have been revealed.

The league continues to roll out its multi-phased celebration, honoring the best players for each of the 32 franchises, including a team that had a hot start to the new millennium, the Buffalo Sabres.

The First Team is stacked with a handful of players who were critical in the team’s success following the 2004-05 lockout.

Goaltender Ryan Miller burst onto the scene as a rookie during the 2006 playoffs. He helped carry the team to the Eastern Conference Final. He followed that up by helping Buffalo win the President’s Trophy the following season. In 2023, the Sabres honored the Michigan State star by retiring his No. 30.

Danny Briere, Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek were three of the top scorers on the Sabres during their heyday. Briere played four seasons with Buffalo, averaging more than a point per game during his tenure. Vanek, a first-round pick in 2003, became one of the premier scorers during his tenure in Western New York, leading the Sabres with 254 goals this century. Pominville scored many clutch goals with the Sabres during their playoff runs.

Brian Campbell was a talented two-way blueliner for Buffalo. His ability to throw big hits, tied in with his ability to contribute offensively, made him a favorite amongst fans.

The only oddball from this group is Rasmus Dahlin. The current captain of the Sabres was taken first overall in the 2018 NHL Draft and has since scored more goals (72), assists (246), and points (318) than any other Sabres defenseman this century.

The Second Team has some talented figures from yesteryear. Chris Drury was another member of the magical runs in 2006 and 2007, scoring more Stanley Cup playoff goals (17) than any other Sabre since 2000. Derek Roy was a talented scorer who helped carry the team during some lean years. He and defenseman Tyler Myers were members of the 2010-11 team, the last Buffalo squad to qualify for the postseason.

Jack Eichel’s tenure may’ve been bumpy at times, but he gave the fans something to cheer about while the team was in the middle of its extended rebuild.

Jay McKee might not have been a point produced, but the gritty blueliner was best remembered for his ability to throw his weight around.

The only Hockey Hall of Famer on this list is goaltender Dominik Hasek. Though he was traded to the team in the summer of 2001, he is regarded as the best goaltender in franchise history and one of the best to ever play in the NHL.