3 potential Senior Advisor candidates for the Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are looking to make more changes to their front office in addition to the hiring of Eric Staal as a special assistant last week. They have contacted some big names who are in the mix for other open positions.

Buffalo has contacted former Detroit and Edmonton GM Ken Holland and former New Jersey, Toronto, and New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello to gauge interest in the senior advisor role.

However, neither wanted the position unless they had day-to-day control of the team. The Sabres are taking this search seriously as they want to build a contender, and it starts in the front office. Here are three possible candidates for the role.

Laurence Gilman

Gilman should be the main target for the Sabres, as he brings in over 25 years of experience in multiple positions, including serving as assistant Gm for the Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Coyotes. Gilman was out of work this year after leaving the Toronto Marlies of the AHL last year.

Gilman played a significant role in building the 2011 Canucks team that went to the Stanley Cup Final. He also played a large part in rebuilding the Toronto Maple Leafs and building the core they have now.

Gilman brings the experience that Kevyn Adams needs to build on and help rebuild this Sabres team. Gilman would also be back in an NHL front office, and I don’t see him saying no to this if the Sabres were to bring him on. It will also open up other opportunities for him in the future if he stays on the Sabres staff.

Bringing in a strong veteran in the front office would be a great confidence boost to Adams. Adams won’t be alone in his decision-making and will have other personnel to lean on.

Brad Holland

Holland most recently served as the assistant GM of the Edmonton Oilers in the 23-24 season, as he helped build the Oilers team that played in the Stanley Cup last year. However, Holland left the Oilers before the 24-25 season to explore other opportunities.

Holland’s father, and former Oilers GM Ken Holland, who we mentioned earlier, was let go just three months prior. Holland was out of work this year, but I think Buffalo would be a fresh start for him.

He did a great job helping build the Oilers, and I think he can help Adams do the same with the Sabres. This could also open up Holland to other jobs in the organization in the future, including GM and his latest role, assistant GM.

The Sabres bringing in personnel who are experienced with getting teams to the playoffs is what they need to end their drought.

Ryan Bowness

Bowness is an interesting one, but I think the Sabres could make it work, as this would be a long-term signing. Bowness was just fired as the assistant GM of the Ottawa Senators and will be looking for a team to latch onto. Bowness also worked with the Pittsburgh Penguins as director of scouting when they won back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Bowness brings some solid experience, especially after helping a division rival through a full rebuild and getting them back ahead of the Sabres once again. Although it would be a downgrade in position, it would be a boost in a spot where he can help with day-to-day operations.

Adams' job will be very tough next year, as he has to beat out five other Atlantic Division teams that made the playoffs last year. Odds are not in his favor, and this being the last year of his contract tells me he may not be back next year.

This would give a solid opportunity to Bowness to take over as GM after spending a full year with the organization. The Sabres would finally put someone in that spot who has front office experience and could give them a legit shot to win moving forward.