Gilbert Perreault spent 17 seasons in the National Hockey League playing center for the Buffalo Sabres. He was the Sabres' first draft pick in 1970 as part of their inaugural season and, at the time of his retirement, he was ranked 6th all-time in NHL scoring and was the all-time Sabres franchise leader in games played, points, goals, assists, shots on goal and game-winning goals. Perreault served as team captain from 1981-1987 and led the Sabres to 11 straight playoff appearances. He was a member of the Buffalo trio nicknamed "The French Connection" that also featured Rick Martin and Rene Robert.

Perreault received numerous honors and accolades throughout his career. He was a two-time second-team All-Star and won the Calder Memorial Trophy (1971) and Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1973). Perreault also played in eight All-Star Games and in the 1979 Challenge Cup. He was ranked by The Hockey News as the 47th best hockey player of all-time. Perreault was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990 and his jersey #11 was retired by the Sabres that same year. Perreault also played for Team Canada in international competition, including the 1972 Summit Series and 1976 and 1981 Canada Cup.