The Buffalo Sabres hired Tim Murray as their new general manager on Thursday.
Murray is the nephew of Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray. He worked for his uncle as assistant Gm in Ottawa for the last seven seasons. Before working for his uncle, Murray had numerous roles in evaluating amateur and professional talent. Sabres president Pat Lafontaine took over the team in mid-November after former general manager Darcy Regier and former coach Ron Rolston were fired, according to the Associated Press. The firings were a result of the Sabres getting off to a 4-15-1 start, which is a franchise worst. The Sabres are currently in last place in the NHL standings.
''I wanted to find the right fit for our team, and he's got an eye for talent,'' Lafontaine said. 'He's earned it. He's done every job to get to this point. He's had success everywhere he's been. And he's going to have success here in Buffalo.''
Lafontaine also introduced Craig Patrick as the Sabres new advisor. Patrick had been an advisor for the Columbus Blue Jackets. From 1989 to 2006 Patrick was the general manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to USA Today.
Murray is looking forward to working with Sabres interim coach Ted Nolan. The Sabres have improved under Nolan, as they are 8-11-3 under him. They have also won five consecutive home games. Now the Sabres hope that the improvement continues under Murray.