Rick Martin, a member of the Buffalo Sabres' fabled "French Connection" line in the 1970s, has died at the age of 59, the National Hockey League team has said.
The Sabres declared Martin's death in a statement before Sunday's game against Ottawa.
New York state police said Martin died after a one-car crash in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence.
NYSP Captain Steven Nigrelli said the car Martin was driving crossed the center line of the road and struck a utility pole before coming to rest against a tree.
Nigrelli said witnesses saw Martin with his head slumped and eyes closed at the wheel and it appeared that he had "an undetermined medical emergency" prior to the accident.
An autopsy is to be conducted to determine the cause of death, police said.
"Rick was not only one of the greatest players in franchise history, he was a great friend to the Sabres organization and entire community," a statement from the team said.
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Sabres organization go out to his wife, Mikey, and their two sons, Corey and Josh."
Martin was selected fifth overall by the Sabres in the 1971 draft, and made an impact on the team the following season when he scored what was then an NHL rookie record 44 goals.
A native of LaSalle, Quebec, Richard Lionel Martin played left wing on a line centered by Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert, which became known as The French Connection.
The French Connection is recognized at the Sabres' arena with separate banners honoring all three players hanging together from the ceiling.
Martin spent more than 10 seasons with Buffalo before a severe knee injury in 1980 slowed his NHL career.
He was traded to Los Angeles during the 1980-81 season, but played just four games for the Kings through the following campaign.
Martin finished with 384 goals and 317 assists for 701 points in 685 career NHL games. He added 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points in 63 career playoff games.
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