Buffalo Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma is "going forward."
Dan Bylsma is addressing the media. Here's a picture that proves it. #Sabres pic.twitter.com/5zJBy3iZsx
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 10, 2017
Here's the context behind his two-word statement:
Bylsma was asked if he has been told that he will return as the coach next season.
He said he's talked to General Manager Tim Murray, but that's nothing out of the ordinary, and then continued to say he's "going forward" as the Sabres head coach while nodding his head.
"I don't know the narrative, we have conversations with the players about the system," Bylsma said when asked about his rumored disconnect with some of the players. "We believe we're on the same page and have a good understanding in that system and how we play, so I feel like there's not a disconnect, they're a part of the conversation and a part of how we play and that's something we all have ownership in."
Bylsma says Eichel, Ristolainen & Lehner made big strides this season. Also said Rodrigues & Carrier were pleasant surprises #Sabres @WKBW
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 10, 2017
Bylsma's team was quick to defend him on Monday morning, telling reporters that there is only so much a coach can do. Forwards Ryan O'Reilly, Brian Gionta and Jack were a few of the players who said the team needs to be better on and off the ice.
"I'm not a coach. I'm just a player," Eichel said when asked about coaching. "Coaches put in systems for us to follow. We didn't do good enough job doing it and that's why we didn't win enough games."
