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San Jose Sharks assistant coach Bob Boughner interviewed with new Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill for the team’s Head Coach opening yesterday, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
Boughner’s spent the past two seasons as an assistant overseeing the defense and penalty kill under head coach Peter DeBoer. He nearly left last offseason when he interviewed for the Colorado Avalanche’s opening that ultimately went to Jared Bednar.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman listed Boughner as a candidate for the Sabres job earlier this month. Boughner played 177 games for the Sabres from 1995-1998, and “was a fan favorite for his rugged style as he racked up 494 penalty minutes,” the Buffalo News’ Mike Harrington noted this morning.
The Sabres are the second team Boughner’s interviewed with this offseason. He also interviewed with the Florida Panthers last week, according to LeBrun.
Should Boughner land the job in Buffalo or Florida, he’ll be the second departure on the personnel side this offseason. Director of player development Larry Robinson will leave when his contract with the Sharks expires on July 1, and he’s already received permission from general manager Doug Wilson to seek other opportunities.