BASSIN TO BUFFALO?

A former Greyhound general manager is the point man for a group of investors looking to purchase the NHL Buffalo Sabres, SooToday.com has learned. Sherry Bassin, who has managed the Greyhounds, Oshawa Generals and Erie Otters to OHL championships, has long been interested in being part of an NHL franchise. The Sabres are for sale and have been managed by the NHL since owner John Rigas walked out on the franchise a few months ago following the collapse of his Adelphia Communications business enterprise. Sauces say Bassin has been looking into the viability of purchasing the Sabres and keeping the team in Buffalo. The Sabres are reportedly worth between $85 and $100 million. Bassin has a group of investors in place -- including Greyhound part owner Lou Lukenda -- and will submit his proposal to the NHL sometime next week, according to sources. With Ted Nolan as head coach, Bassin, with the assistance of Dave Mayville, piloted the Greyhounds to the 1993 Memorial Cup title. He then left the Hounds and later wound up back in the OHL with the Niagara Falls Thunder as part owner and general manager, before moving the franchise to Erie, Pa.