1970-71 O-Pee-Chee 131 Gilbert Perreault Hockey Card (Front)
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee 131 Gilbert Perreault Hockey Card (Back)
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee NHL Checklist
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Card Notes
Gilbert was the top choice of all NHL clubs among graduating amateurs. After a fabulous season in Junior “A” hockey, this smooth center is reminiscent of a young Jean Beliveau – will be a strong contender for Rookie of the Year Award.
En Français
Gilbert fut le premier choix de tous les clubs de la LNH parmi les amateurs. Après une saison sensationnelle dans le hockey junior “A”, on le compara à Jean Béliveau. Pourrait devenir la Recrue de l’Année.
Details
First off, not sure if it would be considered an ERROR but on the back of this 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Gilbert Perreault rookie card, the “f” in fabulous is for some reason upside down.
The expectations were high on Perreault after the expansion Buffalo Sabres selected him first overall at the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. It’s safe to say he exceeded those expectations. In 78 games, he scored 38 and assisted on 34 for 72 points, leading the team.
In Buffalo’s inaugural game as an NHL franchise, and obviously Gilbert’s first game, he scored his first NHL goal at 11:26 of the third period in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The goal was scored on Les Binkley and assisted by Kevin O’Shea and Gerry Meehan. In the 2-1 game, the goal held as the team’s first ever game winner.
As for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year, it was no contest. Perreault was the overwhelming winner of the award with Jude Drouin of the Minnesota North Stars finishing a distant second. Gilles Villemure, Tom Webster and Dale Tallon were also in the running.
Between 1970-71 and 1986-87, Gilbert Perreault played 1,191 regular season and 90 playoff games in the National Hockey League, all with the Buffalo Sabres. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990 and his number 11 has been retired by the Sabres. He is the only player in team history to wear that jersey number.