'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."' … [Read more...] about Seven takeaways from Don Granato’s first news conference as Sabres head coach
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.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: It’s July and it seems like the Jack Eichel drama has to end soon
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.”' … [Read more...] about Confident Don Granato embraces challenge of coaching Sabres
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 … [Read more...] about Sabres coach Don Granato to discuss filling out staff
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.”' … [Read more...] about New head coach Granato feels obligation to Buffalo, Sabres fans; Former interim coach didn’t pursue other jobs
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.”' … [Read more...] about Agent to AP: Eichel, Sabres nearing resolution on surgery
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."' … [Read more...] about Granato says Sabres’ head coaching job was only one he wanted
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.' … [Read more...] about Owen Power yet to interview with Sabres
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."' … [Read more...] about Granato focused on development and offensive growth
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."' … [Read more...] about In Don Granato’s introductory press conference, Sabres say stance on Jack Eichel has not changed
Granato sees opportunity and obligation in front of him
'“The challenge excites me,” Granato said. “The demand of the challenge is what excites me. To walk in, I fully believe we have a huge opportunity right in front of us. I think our players have started to grasp that with excitement and energy. The demand of Sabre fans and the demand of our hockey community is right where I want to be.”' … [Read more...] about Granato sees opportunity and obligation in front of him
Sabres’ stance on Eichel treatment ‘hasn’t changed,’ GM Adams says
'General manager Kevyn Adams would only go as far as revealing he “spent a long time on the phone” with Eichel’s agent Wednesday, calling it a “great conversation.” But he added that the organization’s stance “hasn’t changed” in regard to the treatment of Eichel’s injury.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ stance on Eichel treatment ‘hasn’t changed,’ GM Adams says
New Sabres head coach Don Granato: ‘Nothing else interested me’
'Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainene, and Jack Eichel all could be traded, with Eichel almost certainly being on his way out the door.' … [Read more...] about New Sabres head coach Don Granato: ‘Nothing else interested me’
Power, projected No. 1 pick in 2021 Draft, yet to interview with Sabres
'The 18-year-old was asked when an interview with the Sabres could take place. "I still don't know yet," he said.' … [Read more...] about Power, projected No. 1 pick in 2021 Draft, yet to interview with Sabres
'He's there now' | How Don Granato earned the Sabres' head coaching job
'"When Kevyn offered me the position of interim head coach, I wanted that. That was on the core of everything that I wanted to try and bring to our team, to find a way to try and get our players to experience something like that, to play for something greater than just themselves."' … [Read more...] about ‘He’s there now’ | How Don Granato earned the Sabres’ head coaching job