The Buffalo Sabres have replaced Ted Black (pictured) with Russ Brandon as president of the hockey club.
Brandon was already the president of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, who were recently bought by Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula.
“Since we purchased the Buffalo Bills last October, we have been highly impressed with the business acumen that Russ has shown with the Bills,” said the Pegulas in a release.
“Now is an appropriate time to give him additional responsibilities with the Sabres. Russ will work with Pegula Sports & Entertainment to create strong synergies between the Sabres and Bills. With Russ’ strong ties to the area business community and sponsorship partners, he will effectively position both organizations for future growth. We are grateful to Ted Black for all he has done for the Sabres organization and wish him much success in his future endeavors.”
More on Black’s departure, from the Buffalo News:
A source told The News’ Bucky Gleason the Bills and Sabres owners, Terry and Kim Pegula, found how operations worked smoothly with the Bills and wondered why the Sabres had so many problems. Black apparently was “frozen out” during a trip with Sabres and Bills executives in Las Vegas.
For the record, the Sabres say Black “mutually agreed to part ways from the organization.”