from Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News,
Let’s examine job descriptions as they pertain to the Sabres and the season ahead. It marks the first full season since Tim Murray was hired as general manager and Ted Nolan returned as coach. Murray did not bring Nolan aboard but retained him to maintain stability after the Pat LaFontaine debacle.
It’s important to remember that they had no previous relationship and may not have a strong one now. Their allegiance is to the team, not to each other. They don’t need to be beer buddies, but they must understand what the other is trying to accomplish for their relationship to work.
In an ordinary season, the general manager and coach generally have the same ideals. The GM assembles the best team possible with the idea he has enough talent in place to contend for the playoffs. The coach does everything he can to maximize potential with the same goal in mind.
This is not an ordinary season.
Murray and Nolan aren’t about to hold a news conference saying as much, but they have different agendas. It doesn’t mean they have a contentious relationship. Murray will say that he wants to win ASAP because he can’t send any other message to his players, to the fans, to the league.
But his job calls for doing what’s best for the long-term success of his hockey club. This year, losing also means winning. The more Buffalo loses, the greater its chances of getting the first pick overall. It would allow the Sabres to draft Connor McDavid, the top prize of the 2015 draft.
continued including a look on how head coach Ted Nolan may handle this...
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