Buffalo, N.Y. (AP) Former Buffalo Sabres star forward Richard Martin has died. He was 59.
The team announced Martin's death in a statement Sunday before its home game against the Ottawa Senators. New York State Police said Martin died in a one-car crash earlier in the day in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence.
Police say an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Martin was a member of the Sabres' famed French Connection Line in the 1970s that was rounded out by Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert. He played the first 10 of his NHL 11 seasons with the Sabres, and set what was then the NHL rookie record by scoring 44 goals in 1971.
Martin closed his career with Los Angeles in 1981-82 season.
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