Archives for May 21, 2015

'The Sabres never entered a bidding war with the Leafs, a source with knowledge of the negotiations said. They were confident of their offer and waited for Babcock’s answer. They got it at 11:35 a.m., according to ESPN. It was not the answer they expected, leading to speculation that Babcock merely turned Buffalo’s offer into a more preferred one with Toronto.' … [Read more...] about Babcock falls to the Leafs

'This is not a massive defeat for the Sabres at all. They went head-long into a big-money derby and, by any measure, did all they could to get Babcock. You offer to make someone the highest-paid coach in NHL history and he doesn’t come, that’s on him. You did all you could.' … [Read more...] about Sabres did all they could to bring Babcock to Buffalo

'The Sabres weren’t ready to win, either, but prevailing wisdom said they were relatively close, and that Babcock could preside over a rapid rise in the standings and look good bringing along all that young talent. That and Pegula’s deep pockets seemed like an irresistible lure for the 52-year-old Babcock.' … [Read more...] about Losing Babcock to Toronto definitely hurts

'For one of the few times since he bought the team in 2011, Sabres owner Terry Pegula didn’t get what he wanted. Pegula and his wife, Kim, whose hiring of Rex Ryan to coach the Bills has been a hit, wooed Babcock when he visited Buffalo on May 10. The Sabres, according to multiple reports, felt confident earlier this week they had landed their man and were angry Babcock picked … [Read more...] about Mike Babcock picks Leafs over Sabres, lands massive contract

'Another report out of the Queen City said the Sabres were poised to have a press conference as early as Monday to introduce Babcock, with owner Terry Pegula’s money just too enticing to ignore.' … [Read more...] about Sabres reportedly ‘livid’ over losing Babcock to Leafs

'Potential candidates include former NHL coaches Dan Bylsma and Paul MacLean, and minor-league coach Luke Richardson.' … [Read more...] about AP source: Buffalo Sabres out of running for Mike Babcock

'The Sabres now feel played as it seems like Babcock took the offer to Toronto last night or this morning. The Leafs were willing to let him make player personnel decisions while the Sabres were willing to make sure he was in on the conversations. The Sabres are now really wondering if he was planning on the Leafs all along.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ feel burned by Babcock

'Amazingly, his time in Pittsburgh is still talked about as disappointing considering Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were on the roster, but the 2014-15 Penguins’ struggles and first-round-out made it apparent that the problems went deeper than coach.' … [Read more...] about Bylsma highlights list of Sabres coaching candidates