NHL Notes: Sabres interviewing Dan Bylsma

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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A person familiar with the discussions tells The Associated Press the Buffalo Sabres are interviewing former Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma for their head-coaching vacancy.

The meeting was taking place in Buffalo on Wednesday afternoon, and included Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, and general manager Tim Murray, the person said. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Sabres have declined to discuss their search to replace Ted Nolan, who was fired last month.

Bylsma spent five-plus seasons in Pittsburgh, where he won the 2009 Stanley Cup championship and was the NHL's 2012 coach of the year. He was fired a year ago after winning a franchise-best 252 games.

Though his contract doesn't expire until June 2016, he has the Penguins' permission to seek other jobs.

Sharks: DeBoer to be named head coach
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The San Jose Sharks will hire Peter DeBoer as their new head coach.

A person familiar with the search said Wednesday that DeBoer will be formally introduced later this week. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the hire yet. ESPN first reported the move.

DeBoer has coached seven seasons in the NHL with Florida and New Jersey. He made the playoffs just one time when he led the Devils to the Stanley Cup finals in 2012 when they lost to Los Angeles. DeBoer was fired by New Jersey last December with a 205-183-70 career record.

DeBoer replaces Todd McLellan, who left after missing the playoffs for the first time this season. San Jose had made 10 straight playoff appearances before finishing 12th in the 14-team Western Conference.

Devils: Kujawinski, Pietila sign entry-level deals 
NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils have signed forwards Ryan Kujawinski and Blake Pietila to entry-level contracts.

General manager Ray Shero announced the signings Wednesday.

Kujawinski had 21 goals and 15 assists in 34 games with North Bay (OHL) following a trade from Kingston. He had a league-leading two overtime game-winners, while adding three assists in 15 playoff games. The 20-year-old, 2013 third-round draft pick also had 13 goals and 10 assists in 27 games with Kingston this season.

The 22-year-old Pietila had 46 goals and 60 assists in 153 games at Michigan Tech, including career highs of 14 goals and 30 points last season. He was a fifth-round draft pick by New Jersey in 2011.

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