Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) – The Rochester Americans have now lost both their assistant coaches to the NHL.
Jeff Marek of Sportsnet is reporting that Michael Peca is joining Peter Laviolette’s staff with the New York Rangers. Peca is just what Don Granato needs on his staff because of what he brings. Peca was one of the best penalty killers and two-way players in the NHL while playing with Buffalo. Peca won the Selke Trophy twice, once with the Sabres and once with the New York Islanders.
Last season, Buffalo was the fifth worst penalty killing team in the NHL and the seventh worst defensive team giving up 3.62 goals per game. It’s not known if the Sabres tried to keep Peca by offering him a job on Granato’s staff. Peca played for new Rangers coach Laviolette when they were with the Islanders.
Peca did a great job in helping to develop players like JJ Peterka and Jiri Kulich. He also helped Jack Quinn add a good defensive game to his already good offensive game.
Peca played 363 games with the Sabres while playing 222 games with the Islanders and 136 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Peca also played with the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Mike Weber left the Amerks to join the St. Louis Blues coaching staff.
