Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
The Sabres are expected to add a generational player when they select Rasmus Dahlin with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft on Friday. Only time will tell how good Dahlin will be and whether he will be among the top 10 defensemen in franchise history.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
10. Alexei Zhitnik (1994-2004) 712 GP 55-234-289: Durable defender with big shot played at least 78 games in a season six times for Sabres after '95 trade from LA.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
9. Jay McKee (1995-06) 582 GP 17-81-98: Hard-nosed defender was renowned for giving up his body to keep puck out of his net, so it was a bitter irony his body gave out the day of Game 7 in '06 East final.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
8. Jocelyn Guevremont (1974-79) 326 GP 38-130-168: Yet another '75 Cup finalist, this trade acquisition from Vancouver was noted for his booming slapshot from the right point.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
7. Jerry Korab (1973-80; 1983-85) 537 GP 67-216-283: "King Kong" was a physical presence on the Cup finalists who also had a strong shot from the point and was a threat offensively.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
6. Doug Bodger (1988-96) 479 GP, 54-233-287: Power-play specialist was unheralded contributor to offensive explosions in LaFontaine-Mogilny era.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
5. Brian Campbell (1999-08) 391 GP, 32-144-176: Offensive dynamo developed from early-career healthy scratch into linchpin of Eastern Conference finalists.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
4. Jim Schoenfeld (1972-82; 1984-85), 584 GP, 45-183-228: Big redhead took Cashman through the boards in '72, captained '75 finalists and even coached the team for a half-season.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
3. Bill Hajt (1973-1987), 854 GP, 42-202-244: The prototype defensive defenseman for 14 years, he also scored the tying goal late in the third period to force OT in the iconic '75 Cup final Fog Game vs. Flyers.
Gallery: Top 10 defensemen in Sabres history
2. Phil Housley (1982-90), 608 GP, 178-380-558: The franchise's best offensive weapon from the blue line, now trying to work his magic as the head coach.
Power is the Sabres’ presumed selection with the first overall pick, but it’s uncertain where he will play this season.
