Jason Pominville And Thomas Vanek Have Been Selected For Induction Into The

Pominville, Vanek Set for Sabres Hall of Fame Induction Jan. 14

Former Buffalo Sabres forwards Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek will be inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027, prior to the team's home game against the Colorado Avalanche at KeyBank Center. Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek will be inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame on Thursday, Jan. 14 prior to the team's home game against the Colorado Avalanche, with the inductions serving as the centerpiece of Hall of Fame Night, which will include a pregame ceremony, alumni appearances and special content throughout the evening.

All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative pennant.

The two forwards will become the 45th and 46th members of the Sabres Hall of Fame. The two forwards become the 45th and 46th members of the Sabres Hall of Fame. Their selection was first revealed months earlier during a franchise alumni event. The Sabres made the announcement at KeyBank Center with Pominville and Vanek among the alumni in the building for 2005-06 Reunion Night.

Career Backgrounds

Pominville, a second-round draft pick in 2001, played for Buffalo from 2005 to 2013 and returned for a second stint with the club to end his career, ranking eighth in franchise history in games played (733) and 10th in goals (217).

He played two tenures in Buffalo, including a stint as captain, and ranks eighth in franchise history in games played, assists and points.

Pominville is remembered for one of the most iconic moments in franchise playoff history. He authored one of the most memorable plays in Sabres history with his shorthanded, series-clinching goal in Game 5 of the team's 2006 playoff series against the Senators. Beyond his time in Buffalo, Pominville built a reputation as one a reliable, intelligent and quietly productive forward over a 15-year career with the Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild, becoming a model of consistency who topped 60 points six times, recorded three 30-goal seasons and reached a career-best 80 points in 2007-08.

Vanek, the fifth-overall pick in 2003, ranks fifth in franchise history with 254 goals, trailing four players already enshrined in the Sabres Hall of Fame — Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, Dave Andreychuk and Danny Gare.

Vanek spent nine years in Buffalo after being drafted fifth overall in 2003.

Connection to 2000s Sabres Teams

The two forwards will become the second and third players inducted from the mid-2000s teams that reached back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals, joining goaltender Ryan Miller. That era's on-ice success played a role in the reveal of their selection, as the Sabres, with the help of goaltender Ryan Miller, sprang a surprise on Vanek and Pominville and announced they would be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame as part of the 2005-06 team reunion on Jan. 15, 2026.

Upon learning of the honor, Pominville reflected on the recognition. "Really thrilled and honored and didn't see it coming," Pominville said.

"Couldn't be happier to do it with Thomas and to join all the Sabres that have worn this jersey before and worn it proudly. To be part of that group, it's pretty surreal."

The Sabres are currently finalizing broader plans for the evening. The remainder of the 2026-27 theme night and promotional schedule was announced the day after the induction news broke. Tickets for Hall of Fame Night went on sale following the announcement.