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Column: Ralph Krueger's influence isn't limited to the Sabres' bench anymore
This a good article by Mike Harrington.
Krueger has the ears of everyone in KeyBank Center now. Remember that he's far more than just a coach, as his team-building skills have been on display for years in Switzerland and with Team Europe in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
As expected, his power has grown exponentially with the firing of Jason Botterill and assistant GMs Randy Sexton and Steve Greeley.
Krueger was instrumental in landing Taylor Hall
Tobias Rieder played for Krueger at the World Cup and with Krueger's son in the World Championships
It's clear he was in on the decision to sign Girgensons, Irwin and Eakin.
"All these players that are coming in now have been targeted with clear responsibilities, with clear roles within the team. We've gotten stronger in every way."
It's also obvious that Krueger was involved in deciding who was not kept.
He talks about the new management style:
"Kevyn Adams' style is very inclusive and he's an excellent listener and also a strong leader when it comes to his processes to make decisions. I came here to be a part of a team of people. Just like with my coaching staff when I speak, I'm speaking for the room and not just for myself.
Kevyn carries that same philosophy for the management team and we are all connected and integrated. The Pegulas have been actively involved in all the discussions we've had strategically over the last month. It's been a very healthy environment now. Everything is on the table."
Harrington interprets this as he prefers this to his relationship with Botterill. I agree. While it's unusual for coaches to have this much influence over personnel decisions, I think successful GM's hire coaches that share their philosophy about how the game should be played. The Sabres have been a mess in that regard. I remember after one game a frustrated Housley was being grilled by the media and blurted out something like "I can only use the players that Jason gives me". I don't think Krueger had much say either with Botterill. Dalton Smith and a bunch of right side dmen weren't his idea.
I think the mention of the Pegulas being involved has to scare people. But they did have to approve of the Staal trade and the Hall signing. I think we're better off this way with everything being explained to them and the reasons why Adams and Krueger are doing what they do. Because there will be bumps in the road. The Pegulas can't tear everything down by claiming they weren't involved. They own these decisions.
This a good article by Mike Harrington.
Krueger has the ears of everyone in KeyBank Center now. Remember that he's far more than just a coach, as his team-building skills have been on display for years in Switzerland and with Team Europe in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
As expected, his power has grown exponentially with the firing of Jason Botterill and assistant GMs Randy Sexton and Steve Greeley.
Krueger was instrumental in landing Taylor Hall
Tobias Rieder played for Krueger at the World Cup and with Krueger's son in the World Championships
It's clear he was in on the decision to sign Girgensons, Irwin and Eakin.
"All these players that are coming in now have been targeted with clear responsibilities, with clear roles within the team. We've gotten stronger in every way."
It's also obvious that Krueger was involved in deciding who was not kept.
He talks about the new management style:
"Kevyn Adams' style is very inclusive and he's an excellent listener and also a strong leader when it comes to his processes to make decisions. I came here to be a part of a team of people. Just like with my coaching staff when I speak, I'm speaking for the room and not just for myself.
Kevyn carries that same philosophy for the management team and we are all connected and integrated. The Pegulas have been actively involved in all the discussions we've had strategically over the last month. It's been a very healthy environment now. Everything is on the table."
Harrington interprets this as he prefers this to his relationship with Botterill. I agree. While it's unusual for coaches to have this much influence over personnel decisions, I think successful GM's hire coaches that share their philosophy about how the game should be played. The Sabres have been a mess in that regard. I remember after one game a frustrated Housley was being grilled by the media and blurted out something like "I can only use the players that Jason gives me". I don't think Krueger had much say either with Botterill. Dalton Smith and a bunch of right side dmen weren't his idea.
I think the mention of the Pegulas being involved has to scare people. But they did have to approve of the Staal trade and the Hall signing. I think we're better off this way with everything being explained to them and the reasons why Adams and Krueger are doing what they do. Because there will be bumps in the road. The Pegulas can't tear everything down by claiming they weren't involved. They own these decisions.
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