Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Buffalo Sabres: General Manager Announcement Imminent

By Paul Taylor

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills owners Terry Pegula and Kim Pegula during halftime against the New York Jets at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills owners Terry Pegula and Kim Pegula during halftime against the New York Jets at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

If John Wawrow of the Associated Press is correct, the Buffalo Sabres are expected to confirm their new General Manger before the end of the week.

Earlier this week, Sportsnet‘s John Shannon appeared on WGR 550. Speaking to Howard Simon and Jeremy White, Shannon indicated the Buffalo Sabres‘ search for their new general manager still had some way to go.

However, it now appears a decision is imminent. At least according to John Wawrow of the Associated Press.

The claim was made during a segment on WBEN 930AM. Wawrow said:

"“I’m gearing up for a potential announcement as soon as some time today, but not a press conference yet. I believe they closed the first round of interviews on Monday with Craig Conway, the assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames. They probably spent (the next couple of days) determining who their finalists or finalist is. So I expect something before the end of the week.”"

It should be noted Wawrow admitted he had not inside knowledge and was merely sharing his educated guess. However, assuming he’s right, which of the speculated seven names has the inside track on the Sabres’ GM job?

If we go by a report from John Vogal of The Buffalo News, Jason Botterill seems to be the top candidate. Citing Sportsnet‘s Elliotte Friedman, Vogl writes that Botterill is the only candidate — that we know of — who has been invited back for a second interview.

If the 40-year old does end up in Buffalo, he is someone fans are familiar with. The former winger spent the final part of his playing career in the Sabres’ organization, before retiring in 2005 due to a concussion.

More from Buffalo Sabres

Since leaving the game, Botterill has been busy building up an impressive resume. In 2007, he received his MBA from The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan

The Edmonton, Alberta native also worked in the NHL offices and spent one season as a scout for the Dallas Stars. However, his big break came when he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2007, as director of hockey administration.

Since then, Botterill has gradually worked his way up the ranks and is currently the Penguins’ associate General Manger. As noted by Vogl, he has a reputation for being a salary cap expert.

Again, it should be stressed it is not known if any other candidates have been scheduled for a second interview. Regardless, you have to assume Botterill is the most likely winner at this stage, over the likes of the Kings’ Mike Futa, the Blue Jackets’ Bill Zito and the Predators’ Paul Fenton.

Next: Charges Against Evander Kane Dropped

What is your take on Botterill potentially becoming the Sabres’ new GM? Would you agree with the decision or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Home/Buffalo Sabres