On the Buffalo Sabres, Tim Murray and Dan Bylsma …
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: GM Tim Murray met with Sabres owner Terry Pegula yesterday and today bot Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma were fired.
“After reviewing the past season and looking at the future of our organization, Kim and I have decided to relieve General Manager Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma of their duties,” Pegula said in a statement. “We want to thank Tim and Dan for their hard work and efforts that they have put in during their tenures with the club. We wish them luck. We have begun the process to fill these positions immediately.”
Potential GM candidates include Dean Lombardi, Chris Drury, Rick Dudley, and Jason Botterill.
Potential coaching candidates include Darryl Sutter, Lindy Ruff, Phil Housley and Dan Quinn (Jack Eichel’s coach at Boston University).
Thoughts from the media …
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?”