NHL: Sabres hire Tim Murray as GM, Craig Pa..

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Buffalo, N.Y. • Sabres President Pat LaFontaine's two-month search for a general manager ended with an unexpected addition.

In hiring Tim Murray to take over as GM on Thursday, LaFontaine also announced the addition of Hockey Hall of Fame executive Craig Patrick to serve as a special adviser to assist in transforming the NHL's worst team into a contender.

"It's comfortable for me to be in the middle, having played center my whole life," the former Sabres captain said, seated between Murray and Patrick. "To have these wingers is pretty special."

Murray has the background, decisiveness and even a hockey pedigree LaFontaine was seeking in a general manager.

The 50-year-old Murray is the nephew of Senators general manager Bryan Murray, and has spent much of his 20 years in the NHL being mentored by his uncle, including the past seven in Ottawa as an assistant GM.

"I think we have the next great eye for talent," LaFontaine said. "He's earned it. He's done every job to get to this point. He's had success everywhere he's been. And he's going to have success here in Buffalo."

NHL: Sabres hire Tim Murray as GM, Craig Patrick as adviser