Buffalo News

'Executive sources say the Sabres' business practices have improved under Brandon, who brought an NFL mentality to what Mario Lemieux once called "a garage league." A mix of executives from football and hockey -- COO Bruce Popko, Frank Cravotta (creative services), Chuck LaMattina (finance), Erica Muhleman (business development), Mark Preisler (media and content), Brent Rossi … [Read more...] about Tim Graham’s Power Take: Thank you, Russ Brandon

'The Kings were completely hamstrung by Lombardi's deals.' … [Read more...] about Lombardi has red flags Pegula needs to study closely

'“Those things are all something you need in your leaders so they are able to judge and look for the same characteristics in players and employees that work for your organization,” Pegula said. “You’ve got to have character throughout the organization, on the ice, and they have to be in a disciplined, structured environment where everybody knows what everybody’s doing and … [Read more...] about Pegula adamant about adding discipline, character to Sabres’ organization

'There is no immediate need for replacements, but the organization can’t dawdle, either. Scouting departments typically meet in May to prepare for the NHL Draft (June 23-24 in Chicago) and the NHL Combine, which will be held May 28 through June 3 in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Hockey duties to be shared while Pegula searches for Sabres’ next leaders

'“We as members of the Sabres’ organization are all responsible for our success,” Pegula said, “but accountability starts with me. We are not happy with our season this year, and there are no excuses.' … [Read more...] about Sabres owner Terry Pegula: ‘We have to get better’

'With the Bills, coach Sean McDermott and general manager Doug Whaley both report directly to Pegula. It was the same way with Rex Ryan. But at the Sabres, Bylsma was under Murray, who reported to Pegula. Is that the way Pegula sees this working out? Does he plan to hire anyone else to oversee the hockey side of things? ... perhaps an autocratic ruler?' … [Read more...] about 10 unanswered questions worth asking Terry Pegula

'"Completely shocked," Gionta said Friday night, when asked for his initial reaction during an intermission appearance on NBC Sports Network's coverage of the Toronto-Washington game. "Leaving our exit interviews, we didn't think that was coming. We had some negative stuff as far as where we wanted to be as a team. Everyone was disappointed with where we wanted to be as a team … [Read more...] about Gionta on Sabres shakeup: ‘Ownership wants a winning team and they want it now’

'The picture, included in this week's Catches of the Week gallery, shows Bylsma (lower right) with Shawn Schott of Grand Island, Dave Arnts of Buffalo and Tom Ward of Buffalo (a Sabres assistant coach) with a cooler of perch. The four were fishing with Capt. Jim Hanley of Angola.' … [Read more...] about The last photo of Dan Bylsma as coach of the Sabres?

'That's how low the standard has become. Pegula goes 3-1/2 years without a press conference specifically about the Sabres, then he condescends to give us a brief exchange and we're supposed to feel grateful.' … [Read more...] about Jerry Sullivan: If communication is key for Sabres, why are so many questions left unanswered?

'Pegula deserved credit for coming forward and addressing a few problems during his short presser at KeyBank Center. It certainly beat the alternative, which was hiding behind closed doors and hoping problems would disappear. He showed his face and provided generic insight into his intentions, knowing his next hire was critical.' … [Read more...] about Bucky Gleason: Next step for Pegula is backing up words with action

'If the Sabres win now, it won't remotely be because they tanked. It will be because Pegula & Co. somehow found a way to hire experienced executives to fill out the roster, make deals and draft better. Murray's 2016 draft looks like it has some solid potential. But for all the correct bagging on Darcy Regier's poor drafts, it doesn't get enough play how bad Murray looks in … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Pegula is right when he says Sabres need to fix character flaws

'Pegula called the report "fabricated," but I don't believe that. I can virtually guarantee WGR 550's Paul Hamilton received insight from a credible source. Perhaps that insight never floated all the way up to Pegula.' … [Read more...] about Insta-Graham: From under the fog, Pegula gets privy

'It's regrettable that Kim Pegula, who is one of the few powerful women in major sports ownership and is said to wield at least as much power as her husband behind the scenes, chooses to stand behind her man in these moments of crisis.' … [Read more...] about Jerry Sullivan’s Hot Read: Pegula speaks briefly, says little

'Several times, Pegula outlined the franchise's core values – discipline, character, communication and structure – when hiring executives and coaches and acquiring players. It was a clear sign he wasn't happy with GM Tim Murray and questionable characters such as Evander Kane.' … [Read more...] about Bucky Gleason’s Hot Read: Terry Pegula’s mea culpa was a start

'What did we learn? There might be a hockey czar, there might not be. It sounded like first-time GM candidates need not apply, which certainly seems to put two-time Stanley Cup winner Lombardi in the early lead. He regretted not being part of the decision three years ago when Pat LaFontaine hired Tim Murray as GM.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington’s Hot Read: More please, Terry