Rumor Mill: Could the Penguins Staff be on the way out?

Could the Penguins Staff be on the way out?

With the Pittsburgh Penguins looking to close out their first round series against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at PPG Paints Arena, the last thing they need are unnecessary distractions. Unfortunately for them, the Buffalo Sabres don’t really care.

Earlier this morning Sabres owner Terry Pegula announced that he had relieved both general manager Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma of their positions and that he’d begin the search for their replacements immediately. Speculated to be at the top of his list? Penguins assistant general manager Bill Guerin and Penguins associate coach Jacques Martin.

Guerin has been seen as the successor to 68 year-old Jim Rutherford since being named his assistant in 2014, but may jump at the chance to fast track himself into the top position with a young Sabres squad. As for Martin, he’s been around the game a long time and has a ton of experience as a head coach, but hasn’t been the main man since 2011-12. He’d likely relish an opportunity to get back behind the bench as a head coach, even if it means leaving a tremendous position with the Penguins.

If Pegula is in fact intent on bringing both Guerin and Martin to Buffalo, he’ll need to wait until the Penguins post-season is through. The two sides may be at odds though, as Pegula is not known as a patient man and the Penguins are expected to have their season take them well into May…perhaps even beyond.