Murray - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Report: Sabres receive Penguins’ permission to interview Dan Bylsma

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 says he didn’t have agreement with Sabres

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 picks Leafs over Sabres, lands massive contract

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 lands record deal with Leafs

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

Reports: Sabres negotiating with Mike Babcock, decision expected by morning

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 wants to decide coaching future by Wednesday

Mike Babcock will decide his future by Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings coach told TSN’s Darren Dreger.

In an interview broadcast late this afternoon, Babcock, who has been granted permission by the Red Wings to shop his services before his contract expires June 30, said, “I bet you by (May) 20th I know what I’m doing.”

Babcock, who has coached Detroit since 2005, spent Sunday meeting with Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula and general ... Read the full article

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock visits Sabres

So Mike Babcock, hockey’s most coveted “free agent,” visited Buffalo on Sunday. The Detroit Red Wings coach toured HarborCenter with Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula and general manager Tim Murray, according to an employee’s tweet. Channel 7 later had footage of Babcock leaving the First Niagara Center.

Of course, it’s hardly surprising the Sabres are interested in Babcock, who was given permission by Detroit on Friday to shop his services before his contract expires ... Read the full article

Sabres fire Amerks assistant coach John Wroblewski

BUFFALO – The Sabres have fired Rochester Americans assistant coach John Wroblewski, another holdover from the team’s old regime.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle first reported the news. Wroblewski later confirmed it in a tweet, writing, “Words won’t explain how much I enjoy the city of Rochester! However, I’m already excited for my next professional challenge, wherever it is!”

Sabres general manager Tim Murray fired Amerks head coach Chadd Cassidy on Friday. Both Cassidy and ... Read the full article

Sabres fire Amerks coach Chadd Cassidy

BUFFALO – The Sabres fired Rochester Americans coach Chadd Cassidy today, ending his four-year run with the organization, the last two of which he spent leading the AHL club.

Since Cassidy was a holdover from the Darcy Regier regime, it was expected Sabres general manager Tim Murray would let the 41-year-old go. Cassidy’s contract expires this summer. Murray has been bringing in his own men. He fired Ted Nolan as Sabres coach earlier this month.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Sam Reinhart hopes for NHL success with new style

ROCHESTER – It wasn’t easy for Sam Reinhart to change his style. After all, the slick Buffalo Sabres prospect spent three seasons dominating junior hockey as an elite scorer.

“It’s hard in junior to force yourself to play the way you’re going to need to in the AHL and NHL,” Reinhart said Friday following his AHL debut with the Rochester Americans.

But Reinhart’s nine-game NHL trial in October taught the 19-year-old center some valuable lessons ... Read the full article