McLellan, Richardson on Sabres’ coach list

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Former San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan and minor-league coach Luke Richardson are among the initial candidates being considered by the Buffalo Sabres, two people familiar with the coaching search tell The Associated Press.

And the list is expected to grow in what is anticipated to be a lengthy coaching search process, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Sabres are not commenting on their search to replace Ted Nolan, who was fired a day after the season ended on April 12.

No interviews have taken place yet. The search, led by general manager Tim Murray, isn’t expected to speed up until at least next week, when Sabres owner Terry Pegula can turn his attention away from the NFL draft, one of the people said. Pegula and his wife Kim purchased the Buffalo Bills in October.

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock could become a candidate if he does not resign with Detroit. The Red Wings’ season ended Wednesday after losing to Tampa Bay in Game 7 of their firstround series. Babcock has completed the final year of his contract.