BHN Daily
BHN Daily: New Sabres Assistant GM, Quinn Joins Penguins, Carey Price Trade?
In a somewhat surprising announcement, the Buffalo Sabres promoted Jerry Forton to assistant general manager on Tuesday. The announcement coincided with the team hiring Chris Bergeron as an amateur free-agent scout, as the Sabres have bolstered the front office. Forton was previously the director of amateur scouting for four seasons, leading the way in Buffalo’s recent top-heavy drafts.
General manager Kevyn Adams followed up the promotion with the following statement:
“I am thrilled to announce that Jerry Forton has been promoted to assistant general manager. His steady commitment to the Sabres organization and exemplary work ethic have played a pivotal role in the success of our staff over the years. I know that the ongoing positive influence he will undoubtedly exert in his new role will continue to serve as a driving force in our organization.”
The promotion of Forton to assistant GM means that he will oversee both the amateur and pro scouting departments, per the Sabres. That leaves a hole for a sole director of the amateur scouting side of things, although he’ll continue in that space in the meantime.
Whether this could lead to more hires or promotions this offseason is uncertain, but, with the NHL Draft a couple of weeks away, the Sabres aren’t likely to make any drastic moves soon to fill the role Forton leaves vacant.
On Bergeron’s hiring, the former Miami University (Ohio) and Bowling Green head coach has extensive knowledge and connections in the college hockey space. He should be able to lay some important groundwork with potential college free agents, which is becoming increasingly important with the change in NCAA practices.
Adams also released a statement regarding Bergeron:
“I am pleased to welcome Chris Bergeron to the Buffalo Sabres organization as an amateur free-agent scout. Chris’ notable achievements at the college level, coupled with his strategic focus on progression and development, make him an ideal candidate for this role.”
The Latest at Buffalo Hockey Now
As free agency approaches in a few weeks, there are three big names the Sabres should avoid at all costs. Signing any of these three would be detrimental to the team.
From yesterday’s BHN Daily: the Sabres made a mistake by trading Evan Rodrigues. Come for the Rodrigues breakdown, stay for the Snoop Dogg mention.
Across National Hockey Now
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins are reportedly hiring former San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers head coach David Quinn as an assistant.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens should explore trading Carey Price to get his contract off the books.