The Buffalo Sabres have announced that Russ Brandon has resigned as president of the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills and Pegula Sports and Entertainment. Kim Pegula will take over in Brandon’s role.
In a statement to me, Russ Brandon confirms he has resigned. Please check this link for updates, including the full statement.https://t.co/UsT40pds3Q
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) May 1, 2018
Russ Brandon Resigns
The Buffalo Sabres and Russ Brandon have parted ways. This season, the Sabres had a record of 25-42-12 and finished last in the Atlantic Division and last in the NHL.
In his three years as president of the Buffalo Sabres, they went 93-118-35. They did not reach the playoffs in the three years Brandon was president. He was also the president of the Sabres AHL team the Rochester Americans. Their best season with Brandon as president was in 2015-16 when they went 35-36-11 for 81 points and finished seventh in the Atlantic division.
The Sabres won the 2018 NHL Draft Lottery on Saturday, and will pick first overall for the third time in the history of the franchise. They are likely to pick the highly ranked prospect Rasmus Dahlin with the first overall pick.
Brandon was more involved in the business side of the operation than the hockey side. He was heavily involved in plans to renovate the KeyBank Centre and modernize the Sabres Arena. He was also heavily involved in planning for the upcoming Sabres 50th Anniversary Celebration. While he has only been involved with the Sabres for three years, Brandon had over 20 years working for the Bills.
What This Means for the Future
The news of his resignation comes after the team started an investigation into Brandon’s workplace behaviour. According to the Buffalo News, there were allegations of workplace misconduct and inappropriate relationships with women. While Brandon denies the allegations, Tim Graham of the Buffalo News indicates that the investigation uncovered inappropriate relationships and other workplace misconduct.
In the interim, it was announced that Kim Pegula will take over as president and Terry Pegula will continue to oversee team operations.
The Sabres have spent the last few years trying to rebuild their franchise as they have finished in the bottom of the league in three of the last five seasons.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
