Former Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill has landed a new job as assistant GM of the Seattle Kraken, the expansion team announced today.
Botterill, 44, will be working with Kraken GM Ron Francis, a Hall of Fame player.
The Kraken begin play in the 2021-22 season.
“Everyone in hockey is extremely excited about what’s happening in Seattle, and I am thrilled for this unique opportunity,” Botterill said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with the diverse and talented group that Ron has assembled.”
The Kraken also hired former NHL defenseman Norm Maciver its director of player personnel.
The Sabres fired Botterill on June 16, shortly after owner and president Kim Pegula told the Associated Press he would return for his fourth season as GM.
Botterill, who won three Stanley Cups as an assistant or associate GM with the Pittsburgh Penguins, never enjoyed much success with the Sabres. They finished dead last in his first season and also missed the playoffs the last two years.
In firing him, owners Terry and Kim Pegula cited a disconnect with Botterill as the reason for his dismissal. The Sabres hired Kevyn Adams as his replacement.
Good for Jason …. he’s a good man and I wish him all the best. He gets a bad rap in Buffalo but he knows what he is doing.
This is the biggest news of the year. The sabres let a good one get away.