BUFFALO – The Sabres have hired Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier, one of the most decorated names in hockey history, as an assistant coach for Ted Nolan’s staff, according to the Buffalo News.
Nolan knows Trottier, who won six Stanley Cups as player, from his tenure as New York Islanders coach from 2006-08, when Trottier was the director of player development.
Trottier enjoyed an illustrious playing career, compiling 524 goals and 1,425 points in 1,279 games over 18 seasons. He won four straight Cups with the Isles from 1980-83 and two more with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992.
The 58-year-old coached the New York Rangers briefly in 2002-03 before getting fired after a 22-26-6-1 start. He served as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche from 1998-02, winning another Cup in 2001. He also coached the AHL Portland Pirates in 1997-98 and was an assistant with Pittsburgh from 1993-97.
Trottier hasn’t been a behind-the-bench coach since leaving the Rangers.
His brother, Monty Trottier, is one of Buffalo’s amateur scouts. Monty Trottier’s son, Jordy Trottier, recently signed with the Elmira Jackals, the Sabres’ ECHL affiliate.
Following their 30th-place finish last season, the Sabres fired the entire coaching staff Nolan inherited from former coach Ron Rolston. Nolan still needs to hire at least three more assistants.
