(left) After being linked to several NHL coaching jobs, DU alum Kevin Dineen might end up back in Portland coaching with a new organizationFrom: Portland Press Herald.com
by Paul Betit
The Buffalo Sabres have spoken with Kevin Dineen during the past week about remaining head coach of the Portland Pirates. The Sabres recently signed former DU player Chris Butler and presumably he would start the season in the AHL with Portland.
Dineen coached the Pirates for the past three seasons when the AHL team was affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks.
"You can say we've had some positive discussions and we're looking forward to wrapping things up soon," Dineen said Friday.
In June, the Sabres took over as Portland's parent club, ending their 29-year affiliation with the Rochester Americans.
"All I can say is we have talked to Kevin Dineen and we hope to make a decision soon," said Mike Gilbert, Buffalo's director of public relations.
Dineen expects to know by the middle of the next week which NHL team will be issuing him a paycheck next season.
"We're still in the evaluation stage, trying to determine what is the best route for us to follow," he said.
Dineen, a veteran of 19 NHL seasons, also is weighing job offers from the Ducks.
He could become head coach of the Iowa Chops, Anaheim's new AHL affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dineen said he also was given an opportunity to become a professional scout for the Ducks, evaluating AHL and NHL players.
That job would enable his family to remain in Maine during the hockey season, he said.
The Pirates also need at least one assistant coach, as well as a head trainer and an equipment manager.
"We're not overly concerned about putting together a first-class staff," said Brian Petrovek, the Pirates' CEO.
"I think that will come together once (the Sabres) hire the head guy."
Dineen coached the Pirates for the past three seasons when the AHL team was affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks.
"You can say we've had some positive discussions and we're looking forward to wrapping things up soon," Dineen said Friday.
In June, the Sabres took over as Portland's parent club, ending their 29-year affiliation with the Rochester Americans.
"All I can say is we have talked to Kevin Dineen and we hope to make a decision soon," said Mike Gilbert, Buffalo's director of public relations.
Dineen expects to know by the middle of the next week which NHL team will be issuing him a paycheck next season.
"We're still in the evaluation stage, trying to determine what is the best route for us to follow," he said.
Dineen, a veteran of 19 NHL seasons, also is weighing job offers from the Ducks.
He could become head coach of the Iowa Chops, Anaheim's new AHL affiliate in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dineen said he also was given an opportunity to become a professional scout for the Ducks, evaluating AHL and NHL players.
That job would enable his family to remain in Maine during the hockey season, he said.
The Pirates also need at least one assistant coach, as well as a head trainer and an equipment manager.
"We're not overly concerned about putting together a first-class staff," said Brian Petrovek, the Pirates' CEO.
"I think that will come together once (the Sabres) hire the head guy."
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