Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) - In the end, I thought Tim Murray and Dan Bylsma would be retained. But the reality is: Buffalo missed the playoffs by 17 points, not two, and this organization drastically regressed this season.
Murray had laid the groundwork to sign Russian defenseman Viktor Antipin and had made arrangements with Vegas general manager George McPhee for the expansion draft. All of that could be in danger now.
Many names are being thrown around to replace both men, but for me it starts and ends with Rick Dudley. When it comes to evaluating talent, there is nobody I respect more than Montreal’s assistant general manager. The thing is, he has turned down jobs to stay with the Canadiens.
If Chris Drury is ready to run a team, he would be another high on my list. The former Sabres captain is currently the with the Rangers as an assistant general manager.
The Pegulas have been known to pull out of the Penguins organization, which may turn them towards Pittsburgh's associate general manager Jason Botterill or assistant general manager, Bill Guerin.
Maple Leafs assistant general manager Mark Hunter is considered as an up-and-coming star executive in the league.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN also mentioned Tampa Bay assistant general manager, Julien BriseBois.
Devils assistant general manager Tom Fitzgerald is another name brought up as a smart hockey man. Murray drafted his son Casey in the third round of the NHL Draft last June.
Dean Lombardi was fired in Los Angeles this season, but won two Stanley Cups with the Kings along with his coach, Darryl Sutter.
Phil Housley seems to be ready to make the jump to head coach. He’s an assistant coach with Nashville. Kris Baker of SabresProspects.com had an idea of Kevyn Adams to run the hockey department with Housley as head coach. I could sign up for all of that with Drury being the general manager.
I’m sure Lindy Ruff’s name will be kicked around as the team’s next coach. For me, that should be the new GM’s job: to hire the coach.
YardRat (04-20-2017)
Ya know, a few years ago, people kicked the idea of Lindy ruff being the GM. this was before hiring assistant GMs was the norm though. Not sure how he would do at it though.
Love the idea of housley as a coach.
Lot of old Sabres in that article.
I actually don't mind the Boston U. coach coming here, instead of the more known retreads. Drury as GM isn't a bad idea.
I want them to dig Gerry Meehan out of whatever retirement home he's in to run this place. last time he was behind the wheel this was an exciting team, he could build offense and he had a good eye for goaltenders (that Stephane Beauregard for Christian Ruuttu for Dom Hasek trade looks pretty good right?) .
Last edited by Ingtar33; 04-20-2017 at 05:23 PM.
My wife told me that if I had a dollar for every girl who found me unattractive, girls would find me VERY attractive.
MY WIFE SAID THAT!!!
Who is the other guy I keep thinking of? Boughner. He was hot in the radar for a few years. He's in San Jose noe as an assistantOriginally Posted by Night Train
Paul Hamilton: From Kevin Allen: “At the start of this season, there were whispers the Pegulas had some discomfort with Murray’s style”
Bucky Gleason: “I’m told Pegulas were looking for answers on how to proceed, and Murray didn’t have many, or any. Bylsma was collateral damage swept w/GMTM”
Bucky Gleason: “Pegulas, plural, must realize problems start with them. They need to take responsibility, too, for dysfunction.”
Bucky Gleason: “This whole thing started with Pegulas buying into Regier, then juvenile behavior that pushed out LaF, then tank and its side effects. Mess.”
Pierre LeBrun: GM candidates could be “Julien BriseBois, Jason Botterill, Dean Lombardi and Brad Treliving (if he’s free) … Bill Guerin, Laurence Gilman, Tom Fitzgerald, other smart hockey guys. Another good hockey mind, Craig Conroy. Lots of options for the Sabres.”
Joe Smith: “Would have to imagine #tblightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois could be candidate for @BuffaloSabres vacancy. Yzerman’s right hand man”
Kevin Allen: “If you are Terry Pegula, doesn’t the first call have to go to Dean Lombardi? Two Stanley Cups, known as an organized planner.”
Kevin Allen: “If Sabres want fresh GM: Bill Guerin, Tom Fitzgerald, Jason Botterill, Paul Fenton, Julien BriseBois, Chris Drury, Ryan Martin, Kris Draper”
Kevin Weekes: “I have to former Sabre great Phil Housley and Dean Lombardi move to top of the line candidates for @BuffaloSabres Coach & GM. @NHLNetwork”
Mark Spector: “If I am Buffalo I’m talking to #Blackhawks Ass’t GM Norm MacIver. He’s worked under GM Stan Bowman for years, maybe the best there is.”
Jimmy Murphy: “I wonder if Pegulas wanted Bylsma out and Murray said no, so now they’re both out?”
http://mynhltraderumors.com/nhl-news-buffalo-sabres-fire-gm-coach-possible-replacements/2017/04/20/
Bowman is nearing the century mark, let's bring him back as a legendary GM. Lots of success there in Detroit.
He wasn't GM in Detroit
LOL. I couldn't tell whether he was talking about Scottie or Stan.
Ever read his posts? Im not sure he even knows what he is talking about
WagonCircler (04-22-2017)
Scotty was the GM & Coach of the Buffalo Sabres, henceforth the legendary part. Just being able to squirt boy doesn't mean you're a man, remember that I dribble more than you p1ss.
LMAO, is that a real post? You brought him up as a GM, then brought up his success in Detroit, where he wasnt a GM. I wonder why that ****post would cause any confusion. Post better. Or better yet. Post less
Bringing him back was a joke man, his credentials and success are not. We need men here, steal them by over paying and let's go.
Dale Hawerchuk been doing good things in Barrie. Yet I'd prefer a guy with NHL experience.
Watching you backpedal after getting caught is funny
Caught what ?? You're raising banners already in hope of good things happening, I see years of more pain and Eichel leaving.
Not knowing what the hell you're talking about. That's what
Growing opinion among well-connected that Lombardi is clear-cut best candidate for Sabres. Clout w/ owners, knows market/chess pieces.
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) April 24, 2017
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Opinons come from hockey people outside of Buffalo bubble. One who knows them all well has good things to say about Zito and BriseBois
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) April 24, 2017
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