Sabres promote Jerry Forton to assistant general manager

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) – The Buffalo Sabres have promoted director of amateur scouting Jerry Forton to the team's new assistant general manager.

Forton has been the director of amateur scouting since the 2020-21 season, and has been able to load the Sabres up with good, promising prospects in their pipeline.

After serving as an assistant coach for several years at the collegiate level, including at Niagara University, Forton first joined the Sabres organization in the 2013-14 season as an assistant coach. He then went on to be an amateur scout for a season, then became the assistant director of scouting, and eventually the director of collegiate scouting.

"I am thrilled to announce that Jerry Forton has been promoted to assistant general manager," said Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams in a team statement on Tuesday. "His steady commitment to the Sabres organization and exemplary work ethic have played a pivotal role in the success of our staff over the years. I know that the ongoing positive influence he will undoubtedly exert in his new role will continue to serve as a driving force in our organization."

Buffalo has also hired Chris Bergeron as an amateur free agent scout.

Bergeron was the head coach at Miami University (Ohio) for the last five years. He also served as head coach at Bowling Green University for eight seasons.

"I am pleased to welcome Chris Bergeron to the Buffalo Sabres organization as an amateur free agent scout," Adams said. "Chris’ notable achievements at the college level, coupled with his strategic focus on progression and development, make him an ideal candidate for this role."

Forton will still be involved with the NHL Draft later this month in Las Vegas, where Buffalo picks 11th overall in the first round.