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In some awful news on the eve of the Sabres homestand, the Buffalo News is reporting that Rick Martin, famed winger from the French Connection days, has passed away of an apparent heart attack today. Martin played a total of 681 games in 10 seasons with the Sabres and had 382 goals and 313 assists in those games. His number was retired by the Sabres on November 19. 1995 along with the rest of the French Connection.
Martin was last seen welcoming in the new regime of Sabres ownership at center ice during Terry Pegula's coronation ceremony. Martin had been active with the Sabres alumni and did a handful of appearances every year with the French Connection. Martin was 59.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Martin family.