NFL: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams - Source: Imagn — NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talked about Sabres owner Terry Pegula visiting Montreal (Source: Imagn)

Elliotte Friedman speculates on big implications of $7.6B Sabres owner Terry Pegula’s possible visit to Montreal

Modified Dec 16, 2024 15:11 GMT

Terry Pegula, Buffalo Sabres owner with a net worth of $7.6 billion according to Forbes, is rumored to be visiting Montreal to speak with his struggling team. Elliotte Friedman shared the news on Monday's episode of "32 Thoughts Podcast."

Friedman speculated that Pegula’s visit could indicate one of two things: either a major shakeup or a vote of confidence in the current group.

"I think in Buffalo there's a rumor going around that Terry Pegula, the owner who was at the owners meetings in the NFL last week with the Buffalo Bills, may be going to Montreal to meet the team on Monday," Friedman said.

Friedman speculated that Terry Pegula's visit to Montreal could mean important changes or team support.

"And that means to me one of two things, either Kyle, he's making changes, or he's saying that this is the group and this is who we're going with. I mean, it's possible there's other options, but I wouldn't know what they are, so I think it's one or the other," Friedman added.

"I've been around long enough to know that in these organizations when you sense the change is coming or you're waiting for change to come, they can Splinter apart. People aren't rowing in the same direction."

Buffalo Sabres' uncertainty amid 10-game losing streak

The Buffalo Sabres are facing tough times, currently on a 10-game losing streak. Their struggles have only deepened since a press conference earlier this month where GM Kevyn Adams acknowledged challenges in attracting players to Buffalo.

“We don't have palm trees. We have taxes in New York. Those are real, and those are things you deal with," Adams said, per NHL.com. "There's a lot of players in this league that we’re on their (no-trade) list. So we need to earn the respect and it starts with getting over the hump, getting in the playoffs, competing.”

Despite re-hiring fan-favorite coach Lindy Ruff, the team continues to fall short.

The Buffalo Sabres (11-16-4) are seventh in the Atlantic Division with 26 points. Their 13-year playoff drought (the longest active streak in the NHL) has frustrated fans and added pressure on team leadership.

Meanwhile, Terry Pegula’s other major sports franchise, the Buffalo Bills, enjoys success, adding further contrast to the Sabres' plight.