Varada played for the Buffalo Sabres during two different stints in his NHL career. He first joined the Sabres in the 1996-1997 season and played for the team through the 2003-2004 season. After a brief period with the Ottawa Senators, he returned to the Sabres for the 2006-2007 season.
During his time in Buffalo, Vaclav Varada was known for his tenacity and ability to disrupt opponents' plays. He was a valuable penalty killer and a player who could provide energy to his team. Varada was a fan favorite in Buffalo for his work ethic and physical play. He retired from professional hockey in 2008.