Paul Hamilton, a WGR 550 Radio reporter with over 30 years covering the Buffalo Sabres, has publicly urged the NHL team to retire former captain Mike Ramsey’s No. 5 jersey. The call came after the Sabres announced Ramsey would drop the ceremonial puck before their Thursday night game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the KeyBank Center, part of the Olympic sendoff festivities.
Could you finally do the right thing and retire the number of the best defenseman in Sabres history? I think it’s disgraceful they’re being so stubborn about this,
Hamilton wrote on Twitter/X.
Mike Ramsey’s Career Highlights with the Buffalo Sabres
Ramsey, a defenseman who was a member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic team, spent the first 14 years of his NHL career in Buffalo. Drafted in the first round in 1979, he earned four All-Star Game selections and received Norris Trophy votes in four seasons while playing for the Sabres. He also served as team captain from 1990 to 1992.
Before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1993, Ramsey played 911 games for Buffalo, accumulating 263 points with 58 goals and 205 assists. His leadership and defensive contributions remain highly regarded in Sabres history.
Current Jersey Retirements in the Sabres’ History
In their 56-year history, the Buffalo Sabres have retired only eight jersey numbers, honoring a select group of franchise legends:
- Defenseman Tim Horton (No. 2)
- Forward Rick Martin (No. 7)
- Forward Gilbert Perreault (No. 11)
- Forward Rene Robert (No. 14)
- Forward Pat LaFontaine (No. 16)
- Forward Danny Gare (No. 18)
- Goalie Ryan Miller (No. 30)
- Goalie Dominik Hasek (No. 39)
Notably, Martin, Perreault, and Robert are enshrined together under the “French Connection” banner, commemorating one of the NHL’s greatest lines. Legendary broadcaster Rick Jeanneret is also honored in the rafters with his moniker replacing a number. The most recent jersey to be retired was Ryan Miller’s in 2023.
The Case for Adding Mike Ramsey to the Rafters
Ramsey’s achievements and long tenure with the Sabres make him a strong candidate to join this distinguished group. Importantly, no current Buffalo Sabres player wears No. 5, nor has anyone since Matt Tennyson’s last season in 2018-19, creating a clear opportunity to bestow this honor.
In addition to his NHL accomplishments, Ramsey was inducted into both the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 2001, further cementing his legacy.
Significance of Retiring Ramsey’s Number for the Team and Fans
Retiring Mike Ramsey’s No. 5 jersey would recognize a player who significantly contributed to the Sabres’ history and embody the team’s heritage. It would also help preserve the memory of a decorated defenseman for future Sabres generations and fans alike. With no current player using the number, the timing aligns with honoring Ramsey’s impact as the team continues to build its identity.
Could you finally do the right thing and retire the number of the best defenseman in Sabres history? I think it's disgraceful they're being so stubborn about this. https://t.co/RCxOHNIGjH
— Paul Hamilton (@pham1717) February 4, 2026
