Just two weeks after the end of a disappointing season, where they missed the playoffs once again, the Buffalo Sabres have announced major changes. The team has fired general manager Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma. The team has not made the playoffs since 2011.
General Manager Tim Murray and Head Coach Dan Bylsma have been relieved of their duties.
— Sabres PR (@SabresPR) April 20, 2017
Buffalo Sabres Fire GM Tim Murray and Coach Dan Bylsma
The Sabres went 33-37-12 this season, finishing last in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference.
The move comes just days after reports circulated that star centre Jack Eichel was not happy with coach Bylsma and would refuse to sign a contract extension if he remained in his position. Eichel has one-year remaining on his entry-level contract before he becomes a restricted free agent. Eichel’s agent has denied the reports.
Murray has been the Sabres general manager since 2014. He spent his previous eight years with the Ottawa Senators, rising to the position of assistant general manager.
Bylsma joined the team two years ago. He had spent the previous five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, and the Jack Adams Trophy as coach of the year in 2011.
Terry Pegula will hold a press conference on Friday. He released a statement through the Sabres PR account on Thursday.
“After reviewing the past season and looking at the future of our organization, Kim and I have decided to relieve general manager Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma of their duties,” Pegula said in the statement. “We want to thank Tim and Dan for their hard work and efforts that they have put in during their tenures with the club. We wish them luck. We have begun the process to fill these positions immediately.”
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