What exactly are the Pegulas looking for in the next Sabres general manager?
Experience? New blood? A combination of the two?
Only Terry and Kim Pegula know exactly what they're looking for in the next person they hire to be the Sabres general manager.
The only thing we know for sure about the candidates? They need to fit the four core principles of structure, discipline, communication and character that Terry Pegula outlinedduring his press conference three days ago.
According to NHL reporter Brian Hedger, Columbus assistant GM Bill Zito could fit that mold.
Hearing Columbus asst. GM Bill Zito might also be a candidate for #Sabres GM opening. Stay tuned. Interesting situation there.
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) April 21, 2017
Zito has been with the Blue Jackets since 2013 and has seen the franchise reach the postseason in two of the past four years, including this season.
In 2015 he was named the GM of Columbus' AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, which won the AHL title in 2016.
He also is the founder of Acme World Sports and is a former player agent.
As Hedger mentions in his tweet, it is an interesting situation in Buffalo. Tim Murray was considered by many to be "new blood" as a first time general manager when he was brought in by Pat Lafontaine three years ago.
It wasn't a good fit and Pegula admitted he didn't have much input on Murray being hired, something he admitted he "regretted."
Pegula told reporters he wanted the process to move as quickly as possible.
The expansion draft is less than two months away and there plenty of questions surrounding which players the franchise with protect from Vegas.
There is a looming looming contract decision on the horizon for Jack Eichel, who the Sabres can begin negotiating with on July 1.
Above all else, a major priority for the Blue and Gold this offseason is to overhaul the blue line, which was a weakness all season.
