The Buffalo Sabres have announced that former forward Rene Robert has passed away at the age of 72. Robert suffered a heart attack on June 18 and passed in Port Charlotte, Fla. on Tuesday evening.
A statement from Terry Pegula on the passing of Rene Robert: pic.twitter.com/xU4pHNcKN4
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 22, 2021
Rene Robert Dies of Heart Attack
Robert scored 284 goals and logged 418 points for 702 points in 744 career games. The Trois-Rivières, Quebec native started his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins, but is known mostly for his time in Western New York. His best season was in 1974-75 when he notched 40 goals and 60 assists for the first 100-point season in team history. Buffalo reached the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Philadelphia Flyers. Robert scored 40 goals also in the 1972-73 season and was a consistent 20-30 goal scorer.
He also played with the Colorado Rockies before finishing his career with Toronto in the 1981-82 season. Robert formed the devastating French Connection Line with Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault and Rick Martin. His number 14 sweater was retired in 1995 after the group reunited for Perreault’s sweater ceremony in 1990.
Robert played in two All-Star Games and was All-NHL second team in the 1974-75 season. He also set plenty of records with Trois-Rivieres Maple Leafs of Quebec Junior Hockey League. His 69 goals in 49 games set a record at the time.
His Legacy
Robert is a Sabres legend and one of the best players in franchise history. He, Perreault and Martin were one of the best forward groups of the 1970s and helped Buffalo make the post-season in all but one year in their time together.
The trio often played together with Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team until Martin’s passing in 2011. Their last appearance together was in Feb. 2011 to introduce Terry Pegula as the team’s new owner. The three have statues outside of KeyBank Center. Our condolences are with Robert’s family, friends and former teammates.
