Tyler Ennis, a former forward for the Buffalo Sabres, may not have the honor of seeing his number 63 raised to the rafters like some of his counterparts, but his contribution to the Blue and Gold shouldn’t be overlooked. Ennis, who recently retired from professional hockey, was a key player for the Sabres during the 2010-11 season, the last time the team made it to the playoffs.
Ennis’ journey in the NHL began in the 2009-10 season when he played in just 10 games. However, he quickly established himself as a vital part of the team in the following season, scoring an impressive 49 points and 20 goals in 82 games. The momentum continued, and in the subsequent season, he showcased his goal-scoring prowess by converting 18.3 percent of his shots into goals, tallying 15 goals and 34 points in just 48 games.
While Ennis experienced the joy of playoff action, including a crucial role in Game 5 against the Philadelphia Flyers with the game-winning goal, he also witnessed the Sabres’ darkest period between 2013 and 2015 when the team struggled, accumulating only 106 combined points. This eight-season tenure with the Sabres was marked by both highs and lows.
In total, Ennis participated in 419 games for the Blue and Gold, amassing 236 points and 97 goals. However, his later years saw a decline in average ice time, starting from the 2016-17 season, persisting throughout the remainder of his career. Despite the changing landscape, Ennis continued his career with stints in Minnesota, Toronto, Ottawa, and Edmonton.
Ennis concluded his NHL journey during the 2021-22 season as a member of the Ottawa Senators, following two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. After his North American playing days concluded, he ventured overseas. While Ennis may not have his number retired, his impact on the Buffalo Sabres and his versatile career across multiple teams leave a lasting legacy in the world of professional hockey.
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