NHL High-ups express confidence as Terry Pegula Vows to take Buffalo Sabres to Next Level
It’s been official for a while now, but Terry Pegula has finally been formally introduced as the new Buffalo Sabres owner. Now no one can doubt his integrity to the team and fans after seeing his emotional speech in Buffalo, New York, also turning
misty eyed and star stuck on noticing legendary Sabre’s player Gilbert Perreault arrive at his first press conference in the HSBC Arena. Showing his commitment, he promised general manager Darcy Regier anything which would be needed in order to progress the
team will be granted without delay. Regier has signed a two-year extension at the starting of the season.
"Starting today, there will be no financial mandates on the Buffalo Sabres hockey department," said the new franchise owner.
The news conference consisted of him sitting with the players to the left and right of him, making him even more emotional because of have watching them for so many years, now finally sitting alongside them.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman introduced Pegula shortly after the NHL Board of Governors officially approved the sale of the franchise from B. Thomas Golisano for $189 million. Prior to the introduction, the commissioner expressed how this is a dream
come true not only for Pengula but for the league as well, and articulated how the team is in great hands.
Terry as the new sole possessor of the Sabre’s gave assertion that he would leave the management including coach Lindy Ruff will be left intact, and that he had only one thing in mind,
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win the Stanley Cup," he said.
Lindy Ruff has become the only coach to have won 500 games with the same team, with his contract ending this year, we don’t expect him to return as he has declined an extension offer which was made to him the previous year.
Answering a question related to making a profit through the newly acquired team, Pengula puts off such accusations as false, saying this has always been one of aspirations for a long time and that if he needs to make money, he will go drilling for
gas or oil which is his nature of business. Terry Pegula, 59 is worth an estimated $3 billion according to the Forbes list of wealthiest Americans.
New Strategies
On briefing the media about some new plans, he mentioned his innovative ideas on how to improve the team that is currently struggling to make it to the playoffs. Better player scouting and player development will be given most priority under his watch,
stating that this is the fastest way to see quick and much needed enhancement to the franchise.
"Darcy will run a hockey department that I have previously said will have no financial mandates," said a motivated Pegula. "We're cutting the chains off and he's free to run with whatever he wants to do with scouting, player development, working with
Lindy (Ruff, coach) and the coaches. We're going to pour some resources into that area of the team."