Buffalo Sabres Cross Two GM Candidates off Shortlist

The Buffalo Sabres have been declined permission by the Coyotes and Rangers respectively, to interview John Chayka and former captain Chris Drury.

As the Buffalo Sabres‘ search for their new general manager enters its second week, circumstances have taken an interesting — if frustrating — turn. Simply put, they can now remove two names from their list of potential replacements.

The first is John Chakya, who is the current GM for the Arizona Coyotes. He made news last year, after becoming the youngest GM in NHL history.

However, according to a report from Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports, the Sabres will not be allowed to interview Chayka, who is under contract for the next four years. In fairness, Morgan adds that he’s not claiming Terry Pegula and company have actually made a formal request.

Regardless, it would have made for an interesting hire, if the Sabres had gone down that route. As noted by Cory Wilkins of the Score, Chayka is originally from the nearby Niagara region, albeit in Ontario.

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The other name the Sabres will have to cross off their shortlist is Chris Drury, who Sabres fans are extremely familiar with. However, unlike with Chayka, it does appears an official approach was made for the Sabres’ former co-captain.

As reported by Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman, the New York Rangers consulted Drury about the approach. However, a decision was ultimately made by the Rangers that it’s not yet the right time for the current assistant GM.

Friedman did add that the 40-year old will likely by a future GM in the NHL. Drury was extremely productive during his tenure in Buffalo, helping lead the team to consecutive Eastern Conference final appearances with 189 points in 234 games.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Sabres, who have been granted permission to talk to Mike Futa, Vice President of Hockey Operations and Director of Player Personnel for the LA Kings. A spokesman for the team confirmed the news to hockey journalist Dennis Bernstein.

What makes this more intriguing is the Sabres’ decision not to approach Dean Lombardi. The former Kings’ president and GM was the architect behind two Stanley Cups.

As a final note, TSN‘s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Sabres have already interviewed several candidates. These include Bill Guerin and Jason Botterill, former NHL players who are both currently working in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ front office.

Next: Is Brian Burke the Solution for GM?

With two more potential candidates crossed off the list, what’s your position? Who do you see as the favorite to become the next Sabres’ GM and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.