'The Bassin/Maislin group has emerged as the early frontrunner to purchase the team, which is in dire financial straits after the collapse of owner Adelphia Communications. And that bodes well for Nolan, who has a long-standing relationship with Bassin, who currently runs the Ontario Hockey League champion Erie Otters. Nolan won two OHL titles and a national championship coaching the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds when Bassin owned that team in the early 1990s, and he could barely contain his excitement a few days ago when asked about the possibility of Bassin's group, which is said to include former Sabres star Pat Lafontaine, buying the team.'