One of the top National Hockey League defenseman of the early 1950s, with the New York Rangers' Hy Buller set an NHL record for most points by a rookie defenseman (35), and was selected to play in the 1951-52 NHL All-Star game.  At the close of his first season he was named to the NHL All-Star second team, and runner-up for the Calder Trophy (NHL's rookie-of-the-year)

Over a three-year period – 1951-52, 52-53, 53-54 seasons – Buller ranked second in goals among all NHL defensemen, fourth in points, and third in points-per-game.

Prior to entering the NHL, he enjoyed a distinguished career with various American Hockey League teams, most prominently the Cleveland Barons, where he was named the League's outstanding player for the 1950-51 season. He left the League holding AHL records for most career goals and points for a defenseman.

Buller made a brief NHL debut in 1943-44 at the age of 17 with the Detroit Red Wings. To this day, he remains the youngest player to ever suit-up for the Red Wings.

He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 1954, but before the season began he retired because injuries had caught up with him.

Buller grew up in the hockey hotbed of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and his stylish play had a major influence on the playing style of another of the city's residents, NHL icon Gordie Howe. Hy was the greatest hockey player to ever come out of Saskatoon," Howe said of Buller. "He was my mentor growing up in Saskatchewan."