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Ted Black out, Russ Brandon in as Buffalo Sabres team president

Ted Black out, Russ Brandon in as Buffalo Sabres team president

The Buffalo Sabres shook up their executive offices a bit on Monday with the news that they would be replacing Ted Black as President and alternate governor with Russ Brandon, who is currently the Managing Partner and President of the Buffalo Bills, a franchise also owned by Terry Pegula.

From the Sabres:

"Since we purchased the Buffalo Bills last October, we have been highly impressed with the business acumen that Russ has shown with the Bills," said Terry & Kim Pegula.

"Now is an appropriate time to give him additional responsibilities with the Sabres. Russ will work with Pegula Sports & Entertainment to create strong synergies between the Sabres and Bills. With Russ' strong ties to the area business community and sponsorship partners, he will effectively position both organizations for future growth. We are grateful to Ted Black for all he has done for the Sabres organization and wish him much success in his future endeavors.”

The decision, according to the team, as mutual. But that’s not what Buffalo insiders are saying.

Via Vic Carducci of the Buffalo News: “Another source close to the situation said Brandon's ability to ‘combine assets more effectively, leverage combined assets and create a consistent message’ made him a natural to become president of both teams.”

Black, you might remember, is the man who threw his full support behind those Sabres’ third jerseys that were finally put out to pasture this past season. The reveal back in 2013 was met with much criticism, but Black stood by it on the Howard Simon radio show.

"If it doesn't sell, it won't really mean anything to our bottom line,” he said. “It’s a third jersey. If it's a turd burger I'll have to put it on a bun and eat it. It's the way it is.”

Now that’s some doubling down.

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