Buffalo Sabres Slash LaFontaine After Dealing Ryan Miller and Steve Ott

Less than 24 hours after dealing their captain and goaltender, the Buffalo Sabres parted ways with president of hockey operations Pat LaFontaine. The new decisionmaker apparently was not part of the decision to trade goalie Ryan Miller and forward Steve Ott to St. Louis.

The Sabres “hired me in November and my primary objective was to lead the Sabres organization through a time of transition,” a LaFontaine statement read. “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in a short period of time and want to thank Terry and Kim Pegula for the opportunity and their support during my time with the Sabres.” 

Buffalo GM Tim Murray assumes LaFontaine’s duties. LaFontaine, who spent sixteen NHL seasons as a center for each of the league’s three New York-based franchises, returns to a job with the NHL. The Buffalo Sabres are currently the worst team in the NHL.