In being named the 17th head coach in Buffalo Sabres history on Thursday, Dan Bylsma does not consider himself to be a “best-of-the-rest fill-in” after owner Terry Pegula’s efforts to woo Mike Babcock fell short.
Instead, he admits being “excited” at the challenge of putting his fingerprints all over the development of a young up-and-coming team featuring kids like Evander Kane, Sam Reinhart and, perhaps most importantly, Jack Eichel.
Indeed, rightly or wrongly, the fortunes of Bylsma and Eichel will be linked for years. And if the potential dynamic duo of head coach and budding star begin enjoying any semblance of success, Sabres fans will only view Babcock as another reason for their beloved team to kick Maple Leaf butt.