BUFFALO – Ted Nolan sounds like he will be returning to the Sabres next season.
The interim coach said this afternoon his representative is handling a new contract with Sabres general manager Tim Murray.
“I guess he and Tim will be talking soon if not talked already,” Nolan said inside the First Niagara Center. “It’s formalities and getting things ironed out and doing all the legal stuff. … We’ll leave it in their hands for now.”
Pat LaFontaine, who brought Nolan back to the Sabres in November, resigned as president of hockey operations March 1, igniting speculation Nolan might leave.
An emotional Nolan didn’t want to discuss his future the next day. But Nolan had been talking in recent days like he would be staying put.
In other news, defenseman Tyler Myers, who left Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Chicago briefly, had a maintenance day today. Nolan said Myers is fine after getting tangled with Brandon Bollig.
“Actually, it was a real good sign,” Nolan said. “We were hoping it wasn’t as serious as it looked last night. But you never know overnight. He had a good night’s rest and it feels pretty good.”
Related: Ted Nolan emotional over Pat LaFontaine’s departure from Sabres, doesn’t want to discuss future
Good for Ted. If he didn’t take the deal his days in the NHL would be over. Would suck to get black balled again! I don’t care if he’s not a Big X and O coach he has 2 other coaches that have experience in the league as well. bottom line is do the guys respect him and do they come to play for him.