The Sabres on Thursday introduced Jason Botterill as their new GM, as the lure of returning to the organization with which he ended his playing career and the "opportunity to make his mark as a first-time general manager outweighed the close ties he established" over the past 10 years with the Penguins, according to John Wawrow of the AP. The Sabres are "counting on the vast experience the 40-year-old Botterill gained in working his way up the Penguins ranks to rub off on a franchise in the midst of a six-season playoff drought" and a team that co-Owner Terry Pegula "criticized for lacking structure and discipline." In being groomed by both current Penguins GM Jim Rutherford and his predecessor, Ray Shero, Botterill "oversaw a wide variety of responsibilities including contract negotiations, salary-cap management and player development." The Penguins have referred to Botterill as the "key architect" of their '09 and '16 Stanley Cup-winning teams (AP, 5/11). Botterill said that he will "take the lead on the coaching search" and consult with Pegula and his wife, Kim, as he nears a decision. He said that there will be a "collaborative effort inside the organization, something Pegula has mentioned often" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/12). In Buffalo, John Vogl notes during Botterill's interviews with Pegula, the owner "never brought up the potential for a president to work above Botterill." Instead, Botterill will likely "set up a hierarchy" similar to the Penguins, which had a GM, Associate GM, Assistant GM and VP/Hockey Operations (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/12).
JOB WELL DONE: In Buffalo, Mike Harrington writes the hiring of Botterill is a "job well done by the Sabres." Botterill has a "solid resume and, of course, that Pittsburgh pedigree Terry Pegula seems to love." He is "highly regarded around the NHL and his first chance to be a general manager seemed overdue" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/12). THE HOCKEY NEWS' Matt Larkin wrote under the header, "Sabres Make A Brilliant GM Hire In Jason Botterill" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 5/11). The BUFFALO NEWS' Harrington writes Botterill "checked all kinds of boxes Thursday." He "reached out to the longtime passion of fans" of both the Sabres and the AHL Rochester Americans and "preached development." He talked about "structure and culture in the locker room." Botterill said that the Sabres "would be better, but certainly didn't promise any parades or even playoff berths right away." Harrington: "In so many ways, Botterill is the anti-Tim Murray" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/12).
TWITTER REAX: ESPN's Linda Cohn, a noted hockey fan, said adding Botterill was an "incredible hire." Hockey reporter Pierre LeBrun tweeted, "Love this hire by the Sabres. Botterill has earned this opportunity." TSN's Travis Yost added, "Botterill seems like a super sharp guy. think the Sabres won big here." The Buffalo News' Harrington noted Botterill "becomes the second-youngest GM in NHL." He is only older than "20-something boy wonder John Chayka in Arizona." Yahoo Sports' Greg Wyshynski wrote Botterill "put in the time" to have earned his shot. The Penguins official twitter account chimed in, wishing Botterill "well" and noted Botterill was an "integral part" of the team over the past 10 years.
