The Sabres and Pat LaFontaine, who resigned as the team's President of Hockey Operations on Saturday night, have settled the terms of his multiyear deal, according to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos. LaFontaine also reportedly signed a non-disclosure agreement, so fans "won't be hearing from Pat anytime soon" (TWITTER.com, 3/3). Sabres interim head coach Ted Nolan yesterday said that he has "not yet talked" with GM Tim Murray about "the contract extension that is on the table." Nolan added there is "no deadline" to decide on the multiyear contract. In Buffalo, John Vogl writes things are "too tumultuous" right now to make a decision (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/4). Also in Buffalo, Bucky Gleason writes, "I would imagine a growing number of fans still need a few answers before investing any more time, money and energy in a franchise that continues to insult their intelligence." Sabres President Ted Black "saying there was no discord between Pat LaFontaine and the front office was absurd." Black made "a lame, embarrassing attempt to con the public into thinking it was an amicable divorce." Gleason: "Does he really think people are that stupid? ... I’m positive Black is either lying about the front office or grossly out of touch with his own organization." People are "losing faith" in him and Owner Terry Pegula "by the day" (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/4).
PEGULA'S REPUTATION CONTINUES TO FALL: The GLOBE & MAIL's David Shoalts writes if there was a "trophy for worst owner in professional sports, Terry Pegula would have that thing locked down tighter than the Buffalo Sabres’ grip on last place in the NHL." After the "latest shocker" to hit the Sabres, Pegula can "take his place on the dishonour roll." The only thing "clear in the murky situation surrounding the most dysfunctional franchise in the NHL is that most of the blame can be laid at Pegula’s doorstep" (GLOBE & MAIL, 3/4).
