I find it hard to believe. Even if this was the case, which, he already said his contract is up at end of worlds, I highly doubt IIHF wouldn't let him discuss a contract, let alone go to an interview, to be an NHL head coach. Especially when he was able to negotiate a contract and sign it with the Lions

He has all the puiblic interest in the world, he makes it known to everyone, he didn't confirm or deny speaking with Botterill about a job, then took the Swiss job because he specifically stated he did not receive interest from any NHL teams.

My theory is that he discussed it with at least Botts, and they told him either take the assistant job or no thanks. No one is ready to go out on a limb. Or, after orgs took a strong look at his work, determined he's not ready for the NHL game.

The Oilers org had no interest, and Bob Murray, Jason Botterill and Pierre Dorian are already working on their 2nd coach, at the very least.
- TheSabresTaco

This is a good post

.50 cent Frosty from Wendy's ... ah yes. I love this time of year ...

This is a good post
- Michael Pachla

The source material from vogl is this:

"The Sabres never interviewed Rikard Grönborg, according to a source with knowledge of the situation."

That's frankly unacceptable considering our position.

Now, if we hire a college coach, it becomes hypocritical. If we hire Martin, it's foolish. No matter which way you dice it, it's ridiculous that Botterill couldn't spare the time at the tournament where they both are, in order to interview him.

I get it, i'm a broken record. But this pisses me off

The source material from vogl is this:

"The Sabres never interviewed Rikard Grönborg, according to a source with knowledge of the situation."

That's frankly unacceptable considering our position.

Now, if we hire a college coach, it becomes hypocritical. If we hire Martin, it's foolish. No matter which way you dice it, it's ridiculous that Botterill couldn't spare the time at the tournament where they both are, in order to interview him.

I get it, i'm a broken record. But this pisses me off
- jcragcrumple

He never interviewed McLellan or AV either, team Canada is not his priority.

He never interviewed McLellan or AV either, team Canada is not his priority.
- SABRES 89

I assume AV declined. If Botterill was looking for an experienced communicator, he should have thrown oodles of cash at him. Vigneault is pretty good coach with plenty of tread on the tires imo

I assume AV declined. If Botterill was looking for an experienced communicator, he should have thrown oodles of cash at him. Vigneault is pretty good coach with plenty of tread on the tires imo
- jcragcrumple

Never talked to either, Housley found out he's not in Nashville anymore and now Botterill will find out, this isn't Pittsburgh. Both were and are in over there heads IMO.

Trade both 1st round picks we have to move up to take that Kakko kid.
- SABRES 89

Welp that’s not going to happen you have to add Sam +++

Toews, Hossa, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson, Byfuglien, Ladd, Saad, Sharp ? Kane and Keith were small but yea I’ll take two top 100 NHL players of all time no matter their size.

Pittsburgh was small but guys like Malkin, J.Staal (first cup run), Dupuis and Kunitz were also tough as nails. I don’t mind having a a guy under 5’10 if he plays bigger then his size. Tying it back to my original point, I see Cole Caufield as a guy who produces in the regular season and gets you too the dance, however when things get physical how does a guy like that handle it ? I guess time will tell. I personally think Boldy can be an elite winger in this league.
- Pegullaville

I appreciate your posts, IMHO, there is too much whining and complaining posted. Refreshing to hear opinions on upcoming talent for the draft. I agree that Cole Caufield will be a top 6 forward in the league.

My personal preferences are the following in order if Available at 7OA

1. Vasily Podkolzin RW Vityaz Podolsk HC (Rus Jr) 6' 0" 182
2. Alex Turcotte C US-Under-18 (USAH-NTDP) 5' 11" 190
3. Dylan Cozens C Lethbridge (WHL) 6' 2.5" 181
4. Kirby Dach C Saskatoon (WHL) 6' 3" 182
5. Bowen Byram D Vancouver (WHL) 6' 0.25" 182
6. Peyton Krebs C Kootenay (WHL) 5' 11" 168
7. Alexander Newhook C Victoria (BCHL) 5' 11" 170
8. Cole Caufield RW US-Under-17 (USAH-NTDP) 5' 6" 150

I think we will have a Good Chance at a Top 4 Center or Top 4 D in Byram

I wish we had Couture.

I wish we had Couture.
- OneKaneOneCup

Then hope Kirby Dach or Peyton Krebs is available at 7oa

I wish we had Couture.
- OneKaneOneCup

Could of had him but we wanted Steve Bernier and that first

True story and he loves buffalo

Another Miss by the great Darcy Add that with Tyler Seguin and Kopitar

Maybe not both first rounders but posters did mention at least trading one of them to make the team better this year.
- Pegullaville

You’re making it would like ppl wanted “rentals”
That’s just not true
Ppl were talking about doing “Montour” type trades

If the sharks win the cup it will forever be Tainted

meet chris taylor


the new yes man
- homiedclown

If Chris Taylor was the guy,
don’t we think he’d be hired already?

Then hope Kirby Dach or Peyton Krebs is available at 7oa
- MEBSabresFAN

Dach is Sam Reinhart I don’t care what anybody says ( that’s not entirely a bad thing )


Krebs a better Bo Horvat

If Chris Taylor was the guy,
don’t we think he’d be hired already?
- jdfitz77

Have to wait a few weeks to make it appear other's were interested

Screw it hire Craig Ramsay

Have to wait a few weeks to make it appear other's were interested

Screw it hire Craig Ramsay
- homiedclown

I guess we’ll see

I’m more concerned about signing Skinner & improving the roster than i am the coach

The Sharks are ridiculous

I’ll take Timo Meier offer sheet please

Dach is Sam Reinhart I don’t care what anybody says ( that’s not entirely a bad thing )


Krebs a better Bo Horvat
- gerbe75pts

Not many comprehend you but you are accurate in most of your appraisals , its just when you miss, you miss big! But you bring your opinion without excuses.

I guess we’ll see

I’m more concerned about signing Skinner & improving the roster than i am the coach
- jdfitz77

I completely Concur

I guess we’ll see

I’m more concerned about signing Skinner & improving the roster than i am the coach
- jdfitz77

They have to sign him

Friedman says Ralph Krueger in mix for Buffalo job

hire chris taylor

pen connection


"We felt that with the young kids, chris is best suited for the job moving forward. While talking to several potential options we just believe in Chris enough there is no reason to continue the search."


I just wrote the presser for Botts
- homiedclown

How about this presser:

Jbotts: "after working with Lindy at the international ice hockey federation tournament, I have decided that our continuity and commitment are a match. I am hiring Lindy ruff as the Sabres coach"

No mention of the pegulas.

Same as housley being fired. Jbotts is playing the game and taking the heat.

Also:

Maybe gronburg and dahlin have a but of a riff?
Didnt play much at the Olympics
Didnt clarify to gronburg why he wasnt playing in the iihf.

Friedman says Ralph Krueger in mix for Buffalo job

- Geez

Hope he wants it