Phil Housley is assembling a staff. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Andrew Allen still with Sabres; Phil Housley assembling staff

CHICAGO – For now, goalie coach Andrew Allen is still with the Buffalo Sabres. General manager Jason Botterill wants to keep the lone holdover from former coach Dan Bylsma’s staff. That decision, however, will be left up to new coach Phil Housley.

“It’s a situation where we’re very excited about Andrew,” Botterill said this morning prior to the NHL Draft. “My plan has always been to work with Andrew. It’s a scenario where Phil and I have to make a final decision.”

Allen’s goalies often speaking glowingly of him.

Housley, Botterill said, has been interviewing candidates for his staff.

Botterill also said he has talked to coaches for the Rochester Americans’ vacancy. He said the assistant GM he hires for the Sabres will be their AHL GM.

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Speculation over 28-goal winger Evander Kane’s future has only intensified with trade activity all over the NHL. Even with one year left on his contract, Kane could fetch a notable return.

Is Kane on the market?

“Look, we’re always looking at different ways to improve out team,” Botterill said. “But Phil Housley has had some great conversations with Evander already. We know how talented a player he certainly is and from a scoring aspect. … He can certainly be a force.”

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Botterill on why he acquired puck-moving defenseman Nathan Beaulieu from the Montreal Canadiens for a third-round pick Sunday:

“He’s a player that wants to play the way Phil wants to play, can get up the ice, competes hard, is aggressive all over the ice,” he said. “It’s no secret we’ve been looking for to add more depth to our defense corps. We’re excited about bringing him to the group.”

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