BUFFALO – Ted Nolan and the Buffalo Sabres have parted company again after a dismal 23-51-8 season, the worst in the NHL for the second year running. Tim Murray, Sabres’ general manager announced Sunday that Nolan was relieved of his duties, as was assistant coach Danny Flynn.
“I don’t think it was a bad fit. I don’t think it was a great fit,” said Murray. “Maybe it’s just chemistry. Maybe it’s just two different personalities.”
In his first tenure with Buffalo, he won NHL’s coach of the year in 1997, but from a franchise vantage point, it ultimately comes down to what have you done for us lately.
“Teddy was very professional, extremely professional (about the news),” said Murray. “I thanked him, he thanked me. Wish him well.”
Nolan is being quiet about the news and not granting interviews at this time.
“I’m just going to reflect on it and come out with a statement in the next couple of days,” Nolan said.
Meanwhile, in Toronto, everyone but the stick boy has been fired in an attempt to create a new start for the storied franchise, which hasn’t won the Cup since 1967.
Leafs’ president Brendan Shannahan pulled the plug on general manager David Nonis, interim coach Peter Horachek as well as the director of pro scouting Steve Kasper and director of player development Jim Hughes. Head coach Randy Carlyle was fired in January.
Shannahan called for the desperate measure after years of disappointment and a commitment to turn the franchise around.
Both teams will also be in a rebuild mode during the entry drafts this spring and aggressive trade activity in the off-season.
