The Buffalo Sabres announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches on Thursday. Terry Murray and Dave Barr will join new head coach Dan Bylsma behind the bench. Murray is the uncle of Sabres General Manager Tim Murray. He has been a head coach in the NHL for four different teams, last with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012. Barr played 13 seasons in the NHL. He has since served as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche.
Bylsma says the two men are valuable additions to the team.
"They're both experienced guys. They're both guys that are excited to help our staff and develop our team," Bylsma said in a news conference at First Niagara Center.
Bylsma says he is in the process of evaluating who else might join his staff, including possibly retaining goaltending coach Arturs Irbe.
One of the biggest questions facing the Sabres going into next season is who the starting goaltender will be. The Sabres used a variety of goalies last season and the position has been unsettled since Ryan Miller was traded in 2014. Murray said a number of options are being considered.
"I"m confident that we can find something that will work here just by talking to other teams. There are people that are available," Murray said.
The Sabres have the second overall pick in the June 26-27 draft. The team is widely expected to select Boston University forward Jack Eichel with that pick. Buffalo also has the 21st overall selection in the first round.
