Ex-NHLer Luke Richardson, currently coaching Ottawa’s AHL team in Binghamton, is the odds-on favorite to be the next head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, according to online oddsmaker Bovada.
Richardson, 46, has strong ties to Sabres GM Tim Murray from their time together in the Canadian capital. He’s worked extensively with a number of prospects (Mike Hoffman, Cody Ceci and Calder finalist Mark Stone) that Murray helped draft in Ottawa prior to taking the Buffalo gig, and is regarded as a good mentor with an ability to develop players.
Here’s the entire coaching odds list, per Bovada:
Luke Richardson 3/2
Dan Bylsma 11/4
Mike Babcock 11/4
Todd McLellan 3/1
John Tortorella 15/2
Peter Horacek 17/2
The Sabres fired former head coach Ted Nolan two weeks ago, shortly after he wrapped his second season on the job. The veteran bench boss racked up a 40-87-17 record during his time with the Sabres; Buffalo finished 30th in the NHL this year but failed to win the draft lottery, and will pick second overall at June’s entry draft in Florida.