In Buffalo, John Vogl writes Sabres GM Tim Murray now claims the title of "face of the Sabres' franchise," as he is "clearly the man in charge in Buffalo." This was evidenced by his "actions at the NHL Draft and pointed comments" after buying out D Christian Ehrhoff. Murray is "reshaping the entire organization, from the meeting rooms to the blue line." He "changed the way the Sabres draft and how they explain it." He also "sent a message to the players that lack of enthusiasm will not be tolerated" (BUFFALO NEWS, 6/30).
SHAN THE MAN: The GLOBE & MAIL writes while some thought new Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan "might lurk in the background and allow GM Dave Nonis to be the front man, Shanahan was in the trenches on every front" Friday and Saturday at the NHL Draft, "lending a hand wherever he could." Shanahan "intends to provide as much help as possible to Nonis and Co., even on days like the draft." Shanahan "appears to have fit into the Leafs’ management structure quite seamlessly." He "places a similarly high premium on intangibles like leadership as Nonis and the rest of the front office" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/30).
FRESH FEATHERS: In California, Scott Albert noted the Ducks "unveiled new jerseys Friday, a slightly different black jersey and a new white jersey." The team is "dropping its uniforms that spelled out 'Anaheim Ducks' on the crest," and will instead "wear jerseys with a large webbed 'D' on the front." The webbed logo "has been used on the Ducks’ alternate third jersey and now will be on both the primary home and away jerseys." The uniform also "features a 'Wild Wing' patch on the shoulder, a tribute to the original Mighty Ducks days" (OCREGISTER.com, 6/27).
