Sabres GM looking for a balance of accountability, structure, and communication skills in their next head coach
Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams spoke to the media on Tuesday following the dismissal of head coach Don Granato and indicated that he was unhappy with the inconsistency the club showed after barely missing the playoffs last season and that they are looking for an experienced hand to help the club snap their 13-year playoff drought.
"I want the next head coach to be someone that has experience and (that) can push this group to the next level and win hockey games. I have it in my mind exactly what I'm looking for." Adams said. "In my mind, as I've clearly thought about this, knowing where we are now.... I have a very clear direction in my mind of where we're going to go, but previous NHL head coaching experience (and) pedigree is important."
Granato went 39-37-6 in his fourth season with the Sabres, and in spite of the good rapport he had with his players, could not get them to avoid bad habits that cost them games early in the season. Adams indicated that they are now looking for a veteran bench boss who can push the club past their undisciplined issues.
"We are craving accountability (and) structure, and our team is now mentally, in my opinion, ready for that (and) mature enough to handle that push." Adams said. "There has to be a blend. You have to be able to communicate, you have to be able to more than ever articulate one-on-one with players exactly what the expectations are when you step on that ice, but also build a relationship."
Adams hinted that the search for a new coach would begin immediately, but would not elaborate on potential candidates. Former Vegas and New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant, three-time Stanley Cup winner Joel Quenneville, former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube, and ex-Minnesota and Vancouver head coach Bruce Boudreau all could be possible options, but the name that has been mentioned as a potential replacement since being dismissed by New Jersey in March is former Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff.
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