The Buffalo Sabres got a solid consolation prize after losing out in the Mike Babcock sweepstakes last week. The team, on Thursday, hired Stanley Cup-winning head coach Dan Bylsma to succeed Ted Nolan, who was fired last month.Sabres beat reporter Bill Hoppe, a regular contributor to WBFO, says the hire is a "great move" for the organization.
"He adds a lot of prestige. We won a Cup. He's young," said Hoppe on Friday's Morning Edition. "He gives a legitimacy to them. A lot of people in the league took notice of the move."
Hoppe says early expectations will be low for Bylsma and the coach will be able to grow with the young team.
The longtime reporter says General Manager Tim Murray sought to hire someone with cache in the NHL. He says while there is still a long way to go, the rebuilding team continues to make strides.
"It's working out very well. They have a bundle of young talent that's the envy of the league," Hoppe said. "Everything they've wanted has fallen into place."
