He played junior hockey for the Kitchener Rangers (a New York Rangers farm team) in 1963-64. Turning pro in 1964-65, he was buried in the Rangers' system until 1967 when he was traded to the expansion St. Louis Blues in part for Rod Seiling. This was his big chance and Sabourin made the most of it. He made his NHL debut in 1967-68 with the Blues and spent the following six seasons with the club. He broke the 20 goal barrier four times and eztablished himself as a hardworking regular.