The connections are obvious, but maybe, just maybe, the Buffalo Sabres will make a play for Jack Eichel's former coach at Boston University David Quinn.
Sportsnet'a Elliotte Friedman said on WGR 550 Thursday that he believes the Sabres have taken a long look at Quinn. Friedman added that plenty of other teams are interested.
There has been speculation about Quinn leaving Boston University for months, but earlier in the week he squashed those rumblings.
"I've got the best job in all of hockey. I'm not going anywhere," Quinn told Jonathan Sigal of the New England Hockey Journal. "I guess you never say never in life because who the heck know what can happen, but it would take something special."
Quinn has professional coaching experience and has served as a head coach in the American Hockey League and as an assistant with the Colorado Avalanche. In 2013 Quinn became the head coach of the prestigious Boston University, where he coached Eichel during the 2014-2015 season.
Bove's take:
Quinn is just one of the names we'll hear mentioned until the Sabres hire a new head coach. As I've said in the past, the head coach should be the decision of the general manager, not the owners. Sure, they can have input, but this needs to be a purely hockey decision.
The Pegula's have proven they don't have a great track record with hiring coaches, and until they show otherwise this should be handled by the new general manager.
Obviously Quinn has a good relationship with Buffalo's young superstar, but is the organization really ready to completely let a 20-year-old control their decisions?
Keeping Eichel happy and in Buffalo for a long time is important, but winning should take precedent over everything else.
