By this point, you know all of the changes that took place within the Sabres organization on Wednesday. A major news conference was called, and a little over an hour later, the Sabres had a new coach and president of hockey operations.
All of these big changes got the Sabres brass talking, and for good reason.
It was, and will remain, a huge day for Sabres fans to remember. It’s something that has needed to happen for a while, and finally, Terry Pegula came through. Whether you like the changes or not, there is restored faith and optimism in Buffalo again, just like there was when Pegula bought the team.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the difference. Darcy Regier mentioned that fans would have to do some “suffering” before the team becomes a playoff and Cup contender. However, Pat LaFontaine didn’t use that word. Instead, he described it as “patience” and used that word many times throughout the press conference.
“The next two drafts are critical for building our team,” LaFontaine said. “We want to build a championship team year after year after year.”
LaFontaine and Ted Nolan both bring a new attitude to this team, and they are both well respected. The Sabres players all clapped when Nolan walked into the locker room to be introduced.
Steve Ott said he kept getting text messages from players around the league saying how lucky he was to have Nolan as the new head coach.
These two new additions bring some excitement and hope.
Ted Nolan – He has a much different coaching mentality than that of Ron Rolston or Lindy Ruff. Nolan won the Jack Adams award with Buffalo when he was here before. He comes into a much different situation now. Nolan had watched the Sabres play on Tuesday night and didn’t approve of how they played.
“I thought it was ugly,” Nolan said. “I thought it was boring. I didn’t like the game at all. We have to be better than that.”
Nolan’s attitude and coaching styles were apparent as he talked to the team before heading on the ice for practice.
“I’m a straight-forward type of guy as I mentioned to the team here a few minutes ago,” Nolan said. “The only thing I ask is that you compete. Some guys play 25 minutes, some guys play three minutes. To work for three minutes, that’s not asking too much. Work for 24 minutes, that’s not asking for much. Some people have to work seven days a week, 14 hours a day. So that’s work. What we’re going to ask these guys to do is compete for the time you’re on the ice.”
It’s important to keep in mind that Nolan is serving as the team’s interim head coach, meaning that as of right now, he is only planning to be here for the remainder of this season.
Pat LaFontaine – A fan favorite and a well-respected individual, LaFontaine has the opportunity to really make some things happen in Buffalo. As the president of hockey operations, LaFontaine is leading the search of finding a new general manager, which has already started.
The Sabres have permission to begin talks with Jason Botterill
“I couldn’t be more excited and more proud to be here,” LaFontaine said. “I know this city. It’s one of the hardest-working, most-passionate cities and fans. I can promise you the hard work and passion that’s here, I’ll give that same effort in my new job and make sure from top to bottom we have that same feeling.”
LaFontaine and Ted Nolan, ironically, mark the beginning of a new Sabres era. The days of Darcy Regier are have come to an end. Many fans have been waiting for Regier to get the boot for years, and as they rejoice, it’s important to recall some of the pieces that he brought here.
Darcy Regier – If you’re a general manager for 16 years, you must be doing something right…right? Fans got on Regier’s case over the last few seasons especially. He shaped and formed the Sabres teams over the last decade in a half.
Buffalo had some of the best seasons, and some of the worst with Regier as GM. Regier brought in players like Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, and drafted players like Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller. He acquired players that made a difference on the team.
There were times when he did not do as well. Many trade deadline acquisitions have been busts and the signing of Ville Leino doesn’t seem to be going as planned.
Regier has a deep knowledge of players around the NHL, but the Sabres reached a point where they needed a big change.
Ron Rolston – With one regulation win the season, Rolston hasn’t provided much of a spark for the team. He came into a bad situation and it wasn’t entirely his fault. The team was a disaster when he came in, so it’s difficult to put the blame on Rolston.
Still, an all out rebuild requires starting fresh, and the Sabres are finally doing that. This is hitting rock bottom, but there are positive vibes going forward.
“Things aren’t going to change overnight,” LaFontaine said. “It’s going to take some support and patience.”