The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday promoted Jerry Forton to assistant general manager and named Chris Bergeron an amateur free agent scout.
Forton spent the last four seasons as Buffalo’s director of amateur scouting, helping the Sabres draft 35 players, including seven in the first round. He joined the organization in 2013 as an assistant coach. After one year in that role, he transitioned into scouting.
He has also served as an amateur scout, assistant director of scouting and director of collegiate scouting with the Sabres.
In his new role, the Buffalo native will be in charge of the amateur and pro scouting departments.
“(Forton’s) steady commitment to the Sabres organization and exemplary work ethic have played a pivotal role in the success of our staff over the years,” general manager Kevyn Adams said in a statement. “I know that the ongoing positive influence he will undoubtedly exert in his new role will continue to serve as a driving force in our organization.”
Forton began his career in the 1990s as an assistant coach with Niagara.
Bergeron spent the last five seasons as coach of Miami University, where he played with Adams in the 1990s. Bergeron also spent nine years as Bowling Green’s coach.
During his playing days, he won a championship with the Buffalo Stampede roller hockey team.
“Chris’ notable achievements at the college level, coupled with his strategic focus on progression and development, make him an ideal candidate for this role,” Adams said.
