Jan 8, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Buffalo Sabres coach Ted Nolan looks on during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
2. Buffalo Sabres Coaching Questions
Another question going forward for the Buffalo Sabres: who remains on the coaching staff for next season, and who doesn’t return? Will the team decide to maintain Ted Nolan as the Sabres’ head coach?
There are really two sides to this argument. First, you’ll get a group of people who will say something like:
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“Well, Nolan did his best this season. Everyone knew that we came into this season expected to fail, and given the hand he was dealt coming into this season, Nolan did what he could with this team. Don’t punish him just because the pieces weren’t there.”
But there will be folks on the other side of things, too, saying something like:
“It wasn’t enough, and if we’re serious about this rebuild going forward, we need a good coach to lead us through it. If we have Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel on this team next season, we need a solid leader behind the bench.”
Of course, even if the Sabres do bring back Nolan for next season, there’s no guarantee that he lasts throughout the year. But what do you think — would you feel comfortable with Nolan behind the bench of a team that includes a top prospect like McDavid or Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and the like? Personally, I hope the Sabres decide to move on. It’s time to move forward, into the future of the team, and to cut the pieces from the past.