Sports Illustrated Names the NHL's Worst Franchise Owner
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Sports Illustrated, one of the top sports-focused news outlets in the world, has made its pick for the worst franchise owner of the 32 NHL teams
There are a few teams in the NHL this season that are dealing with disgruntled fans after failing to meet expectations set before the 2024-25 year got underway.
Back in January, Sports Illustrated listed the most disappointing teams at the halfway point of the season, choosing the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and Nashville Predators.
Now, the sports-focused news outlet is back again with an article naming the NHL's worst franchise owner.
Many, including fans to the team itself, likely aren't surprised to read that Terry Pegula of the Buffalo Sabres has been given the title.
"Without a playoff appearance in 14 years, the Sabres have the longest active postseason drought in the four major North American sports leagues.
Despite changes in just about every aspect of the organization over the last decade and a half, the Sabres don't appear to have any upward momentum. A lot of that blame is falling on the shoulders of ownership."
Despite changes in just about every aspect of the organization over the last decade and a half, the Sabres don't appear to have any upward momentum. A lot of that blame is falling on the shoulders of ownership."
In 2021, Pegula decided it was time to trade away franchise player Jack Eichel in an attempt to turn around the team's fortunes.
It, unfortunately, didn't help at all as the team continues to struggle to pick up wins.
The Sports Illustrated article points to a recent survey of hockey fans that saw the Buffalo Sabres finish last in every single category.
"Pegula purchased the Sabres in February of 2011, promising he would help bring the Stanley Cup to Buffalo. Two months later the Sabres lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia Flyers, and they haven't returned to the postseason since."
Elliotte Friedman recently noted that Josh Norris, who was traded at the deadline to the Buffalo Sabres from the Ottawa Senators, looked to be devasted in his debut in Buffalo.
Pegula also owns the Buffalo Bills of the NFL, and fans seem to feel completely different with how that franchise has been run. In contrast, Sports Illustrated says Sabres fans believe he simply doesn't have the willingness to spend, or any vision for the future of the team.
| POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 293 ANSWERS Sports Illustrated Names the NHL's Worst Franchise Owner Do you agree that the Buffalo Sabres have the worst owner in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 191 | 65.2 % |
| No | 44 | 15 % |
| Not sure | 58 | 19.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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