The Buffalo Sabres officially introduced Jason Botterill as their new general manager Thursday, with the newly-minted executive touching on a few key points at his introductory press conference.

Most notably, Botterill focused on the team's coaching vacancy. The Sabres fired former bench boss Dan Bylsma and GM Tim Murray on April 20, and finding a new coach will be one of Botterill's first tasks.

The new GM described his ideal candidate as someone who can relate with the team's young players, someone who is "a developer, an educator, and a communicator."

That means aiding in the development of the Sabres' emerging talent, most notably top center Jack Eichel, who finished last season with 57 points in 61 games.

"Jack is an amazing player," Botterill said. "I'm excited about working with him."

Strength down the middle is an area that attracted Botterill to Buffalo, who skated with the organization from 2002-05.

"People are craving centermen like (Ryan) O'Reilly and Eichel and the fact we have them here is a good feeling," Botterill added.

Still, the focus on developing the team's young players won't take away from the present, as Botterill noted that winning is a part of development.

"The goal of the organization needs to be year in and year out competing at a high level and one of those years break through," he added.

The Sabres have missed the playoffs for six straight years but have a promising future led by a young core that includes Eichel, center Sam Reinhart, and top defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

Botterill comes to Buffalo after spending the past 10 years with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he learned the craft of hockey operations under two GMs.

"I took the best from Ray Shero as a GM, I took the best from Jim Rutherford as a GM," Botterill added.

But now, his focus is all on Buffalo.

"I am 100 percent ecstatic to be here with this organization," Botterill said.

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