Who is the best American player to play for the Buffalo Sabres?

Today, on the 4th of July, it’s time to reflect on some of the American-born players who have played for the Buffalo Sabres. Throughout the franchise’s 53-year history, there have been tons and tons of American-born players. But who has been the team’s best player to date?

After doing some research, I have chosen three players to choose from.

The first candidate, Pat LaFontaine. After leaving the New York Islanders, LaFontaine continued his Hall of Fame career with the Sabres. In 268 games played with Buffalo, Pat scored 158 goals and 227 assists for 385 points. Because of his fantastic career with the Sabres, his number 16 hangs in the rafters at KeyBank Center.

LaFontaine holds the franchise record for points (148) and assists (95) in a season.

Next up is former head coach and defenseman Phil Housley. Much like LaFontaine, Housley has earned a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame. During his impressive 21-year career, eight of those seasons were with the Sabres. In his second year, the defenseman scored 31 goals.

Overall, Housley scored 178 goals and recorded 380 assists for 558 points with Buffalo. Phil was a vital part of the Sabres in the 1980s and his 558 points give him the franchise record for most points by a defenseman of all time.

The final candidate is goaltender Ryan Miller. He played 19 seasons in the NHL, including 11 with Buffalo. In the mid- to late-2000s, when the Sabres were one of the NHL’s best teams, Miller was the driving force and face of the franchise. At the end of the 2009-10 season, Ryan won the Vezina Trophy, given to the league’s top goaltender.

At the 2010 Olympics, Miller was voted tournament MVP despite failing to reach the gold medal game, as he finished the Olympics with a .946 save percentage and a 1.35 goals-against average, both American Olympic records.

Miller leads the team in games played (540), wins (284) and saves (14,847). Like LaFontaine, his jersey number also hangs from the ceiling and he should be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In my opinion, I think the greatest American-born player to ever wear a Sabres uniform is Miller.