The Buffalo Sabres finally hired a new general manager. Earlier today, they named Tim Murray their new GM. The nephew of Senators GM Bryan Murray has worked for Detroit, Florida, Anaheim and the Rangers. That experience along with a six-year stint under his uncle in Ottawa since 2007 was plenty for Buffalo President Of Hockey Operations Pat LaFontaine.

“He’s earned it,” LaFontaine said. “He’s done every job to get to this point. He has had success everywhere he has been and he will have success in Buffalo.”

“My short-term goal in next few days is to go over [draft] lists and reports with [assistant general manager] Kevin Devine because that is how you build a team,” Murray told NHL.com. “You build a team through doing well in the draft. Free agency puts you over the top. That’s my philosophy.”

In another smart move, the Sabres brought in former Pens GM Craig Patrick as a special advisor. He previously worked in that role for the Blue Jackets and is looking forward to a new challenge.

“Great to be here today,” Patrick said. “It’s just great to being part of this family. I’ve had many rebuilds in my career, I was a GM for 23 years, and this is going to be fun.”

The search for a new GM took two months. But the Sabres finally look to have stability since firing Darcy Regier and Ron Rolston. With the team performing better under interim coach Ted Nolan, they’re no longer a pushover.

Ryan Miller has regained his Vezina form that made him one of the game’s premier goalies. Once again, he was named to the USA Olympic roster. The biggest question is whether Buffalo will re-sign him. He turns unrestricted July 1. Nolan has hinted that he’d like Miller back. A lot depends on if Murray decides to remove the interim tag from Nolan. He’ll also have to make the important decision on Miller. The trade deadline is March 5.

The Sabres take on the Panthers tonight at First Niagara Center.