Buffalo News

'New General Manager Jason Botterill wants a coach in place by the draft June 23 in Chicago, and TSN reported Wednesday that Botterill interviewed San Jose assistant and former Sabres defenseman/pugilist Bob Boughner on Tuesday. There will be other interviews but many observers feel it could be a two-horse race -- and both horses are in this series.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: It’s Cup first for Housley, Tocchet as Sabres’ coaching decision looms

'Boughner, 46, is currently an assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks. He won two Memorial Cup championships as the head coach of the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires in 2009 and 2010. He played for six NHL teams -- including both the Predators and Penguins -- and was a popular defender on the Buffalo blueline from 1995-98.' … [Read more...] about Report: Sabres interview Boughner for head coach

'“He’s going to try and bring in the winning culture that obviously Pittsburgh has had and instill that on us,” Eichel said, “just having an open relationship and trying to keep everyone informed, let everyone know where they are in different situations.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel likes direction Sabres are heading under Botterill

'When Sabres owner Terry Pegula fired General Manager Tim Murray and coach Dan Bylsma in April, he said he wanted improved communication in the organization. Botterill, a longtime Pittsburgh executive, says talks were common between coaches and players with the Penguins, and he wants to bring that to Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel talks arrival of Botterill, departure of Murray, Bylsma

'“I think they were just surprised more than anything,” Eichel said in the Tim Hortons on Big Tree Road in Orchard Park. “Friendly, as Buffalo people always are. It was kind of cool. I had done this before, but I had done it behind the register at the one in the HarborCenter. Just to be in the drive-through was a little bit different, a little more hectic. Things happen … [Read more...] about Jack Eichel’s latest assist is to Tim Hortons on ‘Camp Day’

'"He spent a lot of time in Wilkes-Barre keeping an eye on guys and making sure they were taken care of. It's something this organization is so good at, giving you every resource possible and getting anything you needed to be successful. 'Botts' is a huge part of that. Tough to see him go, but very happy he got a head job."' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Jason Botterill’s impact a big factor in Penguins’ run

'"He spent lot of time in Wilkes-Barre keeping an eye on guys and making sure they were taken care of. It's something this organization is so good at, giving you every resource possible and getting anything you needed to be successful. 'Botts' is a huge part of that. Tough to see him go but very happy he got a head job.' … [Read more...] about Pens’ Matt Murray on Jason Botterill: ‘Buffalo made a pretty good decision’

'“We’ve obviously got really good goaltending or we probably would have been in the Colorado area in terms of points,” said left wing Evander Kane, referring to the dismal showing by the Avalanche, who at 48 points had 30 fewer than Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Net results from Lehner, Ullmark have Sabres solid in goal

'The 5-foot-11, 179-pounder is expected to compete for a top-four role on the blue line. Antipin joins Jake McCabe, Josh Gorges, Justin Falk and prospect Brendan Guhle as the Sabres' left-handed shots.' … [Read more...] about Sabres agree to one-year deal with Victor Antipin

'“We’re excited to be able to partner with the Cyclones and fill an important part of our minor-league system,” said Sabres General Manager Jason Botterill. “The ECHL has proven to be a valuable training ground for prospects in the past, and we anticipate Cincinnati becoming an asset to our organization in terms of developing talent for the NHL and AHL levels.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres agree to ECHL affiliation with Cincinnati Cyclones

'The NHL is switching manufacturers, from Reebok to Adidas, and SportsLogos.net reported Thursday that the sweaters of 12 teams will be altered. The Sabres are on the list.' … [Read more...] about Report: Changes coming to Sabres’ uniform

'Captain Brian Gionta is 38 years old and scheduled for unrestricted free agency, so it’s possible the Sabres will have someone new wearing the “C” next season. O’Reilly and Eichel are the top candidates.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ next captain can expect help, open communication

'“I don’t know who I want,” Botterill said. “I don’t have a specific name. I know there’s certainly people I want to talk to and have dialogue.”' … [Read more...] about Jason Botterill turns attention toward Sabres’ coaching search

'The Penguins have the highest percentage of individual games played by college alums in NHL history according to College Hockey Inc. This season, 60 percent of the individual games played by the Penguins were by players with an NCAA background. That percentage jumped to 65 percent in the playoffs.' … [Read more...] about NCAA alums populate Pens’ roster. Could that be the Sabres’ future?

'“There’s nervous people from both ends – myself trying to get to know them, scouts trying to figure out what I’m looking for – but we had some good discussions about that,” Botterill said Tuesday on “The Instigators,” the Sabres’ simulcast show. “It’s certainly going to take some time. I think it’s going to take almost up to a year to really get it all figured out.”' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Botterill on scouting meetings; finding Antipin