Except they have a guy they can promote that's done really well for them at the AHL level. We don't even have an AHL coach right now.

One name I haven't read mentioned at all, that I wouldn't hate, is Dineen. I think he did a good job of developing the young guys when he was our AHL coach. Wouldn't mind kicking the tires on him now.
- HonkFortheGoose

I want a proven coach. Someone who has been there before. So kicking tires on guys who may or may not be something is something I do not want at this current time.

Not to mention the harm it could do to this "rebuild" moving forward. A coach in over his head trying to teach and mold young players. That does not sound like a recipe for success.

McDavid will score 40+ multiple times in his career.
- Pierceme69

Sweet. Another Vanek.

How does one coach a tire fire? Good Luck Babcock.

I want a proven coach. Someone who has been there before. So kicking tires on guys who may or may not be something is something I do not want at this current time.

Not to mention the harm it could do to this "rebuild" moving forward. A coach in over his head trying to teach and mold young players. That does not sound like a recipe for success.
- ImThatGuy

Not sure you can have both. The established coach search should wait till they're good again. In the mean time they should be looking for someone who can do the 2nd bolded phrase.

I don't see how they can. I don't know who wants to inherit those contracts?
- Buffalo--Sabres

Phaneuf gets 7M... look at the UFA class for d-men this year...

Guys like Franson and Green are going to be looking for 6 and 7 M contracts respectively... and when teams "miss out" on those guys, or if they don't think they'll have a chance at them, they'll be forced to trade for a top pairing guy.


And there aren't too many teams willing to trade top pairing d-men away.



As for Kessel? Worth every penny. Wouldn't be in the least bit upset if they kept him, though I doubt they'll have a hard time looking for a suitor willing to offer what he's worth.

Neither Babcock nor Byslma have a cup since 2010. Neither has lead a team passed the conference Semi-finals.....
- ImThatGuy

One is the biggest coaching name to be available in years, the other is still unemployed.

I think like every other player in the league, its situational.

I think Lindy Ruff is a very average coach just based on the fact that the guy never exceeds expectations, or gets his team to exceed their talent level

Why don't any of you bring up Julien's name??

You keep bringing up retreads after retreads?

Julien had a tough defensive minded team that I believe went to 2 Stanley Cups and won one.

Whats the problem?

Phaneuf gets 7M... look at the UFA class for d-men this year...

Guys like Franson and Green are going to be looking for 6 and 7 M contracts respectively... and when teams "miss out" on those guys, or if they don't think they'll have a chance at them, they'll be forced to trade for a top pairing guy.


And there aren't too many teams willing to trade top pairing d-men away.



As for Kessel? Worth every penny. Wouldn't be in the least bit upset if they kept him, though I doubt they'll have a hard time looking for a suitor willing to offer what he's worth.
- Feeling Glucky?

You mention Phanuef's contract.... but then mention teams wanting a top pairing D-men.

These are not two of the same here.

Why don't any of you bring up Julien's name??

You keep bringing up retreads after retreads?

Julien had a tough defensive minded team that I believe went to 2 Stanley Cups and won one.

Whats the problem?
- JVince11

BECAUSE he is still employed, right????

Why don't any of you bring up Julien's name??

You keep bringing up retreads after retreads?

Julien had a tough defensive minded team that I believe went to 2 Stanley Cups and won one.

Whats the problem?
- JVince11

I don't think he's actually been made available yet.

Tim Graham ‏@ByTimGraham 30s31 seconds ago
Sabres livid for way Babcock handled past few days. Sabres so confident he was coming that they were prepared for Monday news conference.

I don't think he's actually been made available yet.
- Sabresfan-365

I wouldn't mind him, he hates everyone

Tim Graham ‏@ByTimGraham 2m2 minutes ago
Sabres livid for way Babcock handled past few days. Sabres so confident he was coming that they were prepared for Monday news conference.

Tim Graham ‏@ByTimGraham 30s31 seconds ago
Sabres livid for way Babcock handled past few days. Sabres so confident he was coming that they were prepared for Monday news conference.
- metzeric

Beat me to it

Tim Graham ‏@ByTimGraham 2m2 minutes ago
Sabres livid for way Babcock handled past few days. Sabres so confident he was coming that they were prepared for Monday news conference.
- Punch70

Oh well, move on.

Time to offer Stamkos 14 mill a year............ I kid

Why don't any of you bring up Julien's name??

You keep bringing up retreads after retreads?

Julien had a tough defensive minded team that I believe went to 2 Stanley Cups and won one.

Whats the problem?
- JVince11

One cup. not good enough. Apparently.

Oh well, move on.
- SABRES 89

Agreed. Save it for the season and beat the snot out of the Leafs.

Time to offer Stamkos 14 mill a year............ I kid
- SABRES 89

I'd make him the highest paid player in the league.

Oh well, move on.
- SABRES 89

It's PERSONAL now. Can't move on. Hope his career is forever tarnished. Pegula and Co better pull a rabbit out of a hat and get someone unexpected like Hitchcock or Julien

Oh well, move on.
- SABRES 89

We will all, likely, live to see another day. Nothing anyone can do about it.

Time to start interviewing the next candidates.

It's PERSONAL now. Can't move on. Hope his career is forever tarnished. Pegula and Co better pull a rabbit out of a hat and get someone unexpected like Hitchcock or Julien
- bluengold12

Pass... Twice.

It's PERSONAL now. Can't move on. Hope his career is forever tarnished. Pegula and Co better pull a rabbit out of a hat and get someone unexpected like Hitchcock or Julien
- bluengold12

Keep that Fat Pig Hitchcock away from the Sabres.

We will all, likely, live to see another day. Nothing anyone can do about it.

Time to start interviewing the next candidates.
- thatsapickle

the next marrone in richardson? I'll pass. Not crazy on Bylsma either.

Pass... Twice.
- thatsapickle

I'd rather him than a guy who can't even lead his AHL team to the playoffs

I wouldn't mind him, he hates everyone
- SABRES 89

I like him too.
Good old fashioned, no nonsense kind of coach.