‘The status of assistant coaches Matt Ellis, Dan Girardi and Mike Bales: “That’s something we will be discussing in the next week or coming weeks. The guys that were here, I have a tremendous amount of respect for and they were incredibly effective and efficient to work for, so they are obviously in the mix moving forward as we sort this out.”‘
Archives for July 2, 2021
Mike Harrington: It’s July and it seems like the Jack Eichel drama has to end soon
‘One thing that was interesting about Don Granato’s introductory presser was that you barely heard the words “Jack Eichel” uttered by either the GM or the new head coach.’
Confident Don Granato embraces challenge of coaching Sabres
‘“This is the position I wanted to be in, I had hoped to be in,” Granato said on a Zoom call Thursday. “Nothing else interested me in the interim. I wanted to make that clear. I didn’t even think of pursuing or potentially pursuing anything else. I didn’t feel that was right. This is something that excites me, to be here.”’
Sabres coach Don Granato to discuss filling out staff
‘“Having just accepted the position (Tuesday) and going through the interview process with Kevyn, that’s something we will be discussing in the next week or coming weeks, how our staff may fill out,” Granato said on Zoom call Thursday. “The guys that were here, I have a tremendous amount of respect for and they were incredibly effective and efficient to work for, so they were obviously in the mix moving forward as we sort this out.”‘
New head coach Granato feels obligation to Buffalo, Sabres fans; Former interim coach didn’t pursue other jobs
‘“I finished high school in Minnesota, and you felt that’s a hockey community,” said Granato. “That was an amazing experience for me… the love of that. Finally, people appreciate what you go to bed at night dreaming about being and becoming. And that’s what we have here in Buffalo.”’
Agent to AP: Eichel, Sabres nearing resolution on surgery
‘In a text sent to The Associated Press on Thursday, Eichel’s agent Peter Fish did not go into detail in writing: “We are communicating with the team and are heading toward a resolution.”’
Granato says Sabres’ head coaching job was only one he wanted
‘“In the exit meetings, it was really clear that the players absolutely respected and bought into the message that Don and the staff was bringing,” Adams said. “You can be the greatest coach in the world, but if you don’t have the buy-in from the players, it can be a real challenge.”‘
Owen Power yet to interview with Sabres
‘Power up playing in 26 games this season for the Wolverines after a successful two years in the United States Hockey League playing with the Chicago Steel. As a freshman, he put up a very respectable 16 points (3+13), while also being named to the Big Ten All-Rookie Team, as well as a Big Ten Second-Team All-Star.’
Granato focused on development and offensive growth
‘”I fully believe we have a huge opportunity right in front of us,” Granato told reporters.” I think our players have started to grasp that with excitement and energy, so the demand of sabres fans and our hockey community is right where I want to be.”‘
In Don Granato’s introductory press conference, Sabres say stance on Jack Eichel has not changed
‘When asked Thursday if the team’s stance on the situation with Eichel has changed Adams said “Our stance hasn’t changed in where we’re at. It’s in the hands of the medical experts. That’s what I said previously and it’s where we’re at right now.”‘