Ted Nolan took over the Sabres in November. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

GM Tim Murray tells Sportsnet Sabres will remove interim tag from coach Ted Nolan

BUFFALO – It appears the interim tag will be coming off Sabres coach Ted Nolan soon.

General manager Tim Murray told Sportsnet’s Hockey Central today he “can see where we probably will do something for him there that it won’t be on for long.”

Murray said, “Ted is my guy right now” during his introductory news conference Thursday.

He later added: “I was never told if I took this job I had to keep Ted Nolan as coach.”

President of hockey operations Pat LaFontaine hired Nolan in November.

Here’s the rest of what Murray said about Nolan on Thursday:

“I’ve seen him in arenas watching games, whether he was watching his kid or scouting for Sault Ste. Marie,” Murray said. “I’ve known him for a long time on a casual basis. He’s the coach of this team. I got the job last night. I’m going to come in here and try to establish a relationship with Ted, his coaching staff, get to know them.

“But he’s the coach right now. Whatever happens going forward will determine everything else. But there’s no preconceived notions.”

LaFontaine, who played under Nolan and has vouched for him, said Murray likes Nolan and wants to get to know him.

“I think it took a general manager with a very open mind to understand who’s there now and be willing to give Teddy the opportunity, because he is a great coach, and Teddy’s proved it himself,” LaFontaine said.

Update: The Sabres have sent Brayden McNabb, an AHL All-Star, back to Rochester. The defenseman has zero points in six NHL games this season.

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