Report: Sabres hiring nearing resolution

Rookie general manager Jason Botterill has had one thing at the top of his “To-do” list since taking over as the boss for the Buffalo Sabres: hire a head coach. There’s just one problem, the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs prevented Botterill from interviewing candidates from the remaining teams, namely Nashville Predators assistant coach Phil Housley and Pittsburgh Penguins assistants Rick Tochett and Jacques Martin. With the playoffs over however, the Sabres are free to hire and interview whomever they choose.

Now that the Cup has been awarded, the Sabres pursuit of a new coach can resume in earnest with interviews for the above mentioned candidates later this week. Botterill indicated to The Associated Press that a hiring is expected “early next week.” 

That’s good news for Sabres fans who are eager to see what the future has in store for their team. Former general manager Tim Murray’s rebuild hasn’t gone exactly to plan in Buffalo, but supporters of the hard-luck franchise are optimistic that a new voice in management, Botterill, and behind the bench can help the team get back into the Eastern Conference’s playoff picture.