WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey Coverage
October Edition
Dan Bylsma coached Pittsburgh from 2009 until 2014. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
One day in 2009-10, Dan Bylsma, then in his first full season as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ coach, had an odd request for Jay McKee, one of the NHL’s top shot blockers for years.
“He actually asked me not to block as many shots,” McKee, a popular former Buffalo Sabres defenseman, said by phone Tuesday.
One of McKee’s recent blocks had deflected into the net, so Bylsma, who will reportedly interview with the Sabres this week, ... Read the full article
Tim Murray has been pursuing other coaching candidates.. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
New Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said today he never agreed to a deal to coach the Buffalo Sabres and didn’t use the team as leverage before signing an eight-year contract worth a reported $50 million with Toronto.
Multiple media outlets have reported the Sabres thought they landed Babcock earlier this week and were livid when he went to Toronto on Wednesday.
“I talked to lots of teams, and when you’re talking to teams, negotiation ... Read the full article
Dan Bylsma coached Pittsburgh six seasons. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
In a not-so-surprising development, the Buffalo Sabres have received permission from the Pittsburgh Penguins to interview Dan Bylsma about their coaching vacancy, according to ESPN.com’s Craig Custance.
Bylsma coached the Penguins six seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2009 before getting fired in 2014. The 44-year-old is still under contract with the Penguins.
In an interview with WGR this afternoon, Sabres general manager Tim Murray wouldn’t confirm the report.
The Sabres’ main target, Mike ... Read the full article
Mike Babcock was introduced as Toronto’s coach today. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
New Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said today he never agreed to a deal to coach the Buffalo Sabres and didn’t use the team as leverage before signing an eight-year contract worth a reported $50 million with Toronto.
“I talked to lots of teams, and when you’re talking to teams, negotiation is in that process,” Babcock said this morning during his introductory news conference at the Air Canada Centre. “The hardest thing for the media ... Read the full article
Mike Babcock has an eight-year contract from Toronto. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – As decision day approached, it appeared Mike Babcock, the prized free agent coach, had whittled his choices down to two teams: Detroit, where he had spent 10 seasons guiding the Red Wings, or the rebuilding Sabres, a team stocked with young talent and willing to break to the bank.
By most accounts, the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of about five teams Babcock had spoken to, had fallen out of the picture.
But the ... Read the full article
Mike Babcock got a reported $50 million from Toronto. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – As decision day approached, it appeared Mike Babcock, the prized free agent coach, had whittled his choices down to two teams: Detroit, where he had spent 10 seasons guiding the Red Wings, or the rebuilding Sabres, a team stocked with young talent and willing to break to the bank.
By most accounts, the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of about five teams Babcock had spoken to, had fallen out of the picture by Tuesday.... Read the full article
The Sabres had a strong interest in Mike Babcock. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Sabres are out of the running for coach Mike Babcock, TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweeted early this afternoon.
Update: The Toronto Maple Leafs, a team thought to be out of the sweepstakes just a day ago, have signed Babcock to a stunning eight-year deal worth around $50 million, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friendman and ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun also tweeted the hiring.
Update: The Leafs have officially announced the signing.
Here’s ... Read the full article
Mike Babcock has coached Detroit since 2005. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – The Mike Babcock sweepstakes is almost over, and the coveted coach could join the Sabres as soon as Wednesday.
According to the Associated Press, the Sabres and Babcock negotiated by phone today.
When reached by the Detroit Free Press and asked if he was leaving the Red Wings, the team he has coached since 2005, Babcock replied, “Not sure, know by morning.” He gave no further comment.
It’s believed the Sabres have offered ... Read the full article
Mike Babcock visited the Sabres last week. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
Finally, the Mike Babcock watch is almost over, with a decision on his future expected Wednesday.
The Detroit Red Wings coach plans to meet with general manager Ken Holland today before talking with his family tonight, according to MLive.com.
At this point, it appears two teams – the Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres – are vying for Babcock’s services. The 52-year-old, who was given permission to shop his services before his contract expires June ... Read the full article
Tim Murray speaks Sunday after firing Ted Nolan. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald
BUFFALO – For the first time since the Sabres replaced Ted Nolan following his initial run almost 18 years ago, the team must search for a new coach.
Yes, it has really been that long.
Lindy Ruff, Nolan’s replacement in 1997, lasted until 2013, when former Sabres general manager Darcy Regier quickly promoted Ron Rolston from Rochester as interim coach. Regier removed the interim tag following the season without interviewing anyone.