New Man in Buffalo

Buffalo, NY - It has been almost a week since the Elite Hockey Experienced announced the hiring of Roberto Martucci as the new Buffalo Sabres GM. Roberto has assumed his role as GM of the Sabres of the team quietly, so quietly that some GMs don’t even know who he is. Roberto was once very involved in the hockey world until he decided to take a break from the sport. It’s something that he claims to be the reason for his emergence back into the hockey world. We were able to catch up with Roberto for an exclusive short interview.

Q: So Roberto, it’s nice to finally have the chance to speak to you. I would first like to congratulate you on being name the Sabres GM in the EHE. As some of the other GMs around the league don’t know much about you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: Thank you, it’s great to be at the helm of a team again. As I’ve been away from the sport for some time, there’s going to be a learning curve that comes with the position. The GMs around the league seem like great, knowledgeable guys and it’s going to be fun coming in and getting to know them. As for myself, I would say that I’m humble and conservative. I know a lot of GMs I’ve been around love to make huge moves and risky transactions, but I don’t usually partake in that. If I need to it will be considered, but I don’t consider it my style when it comes to running a team.

Q: We’ve gotten word that it has been a few years since you’ve been around the game of hockey. Would you care to explain to us why that is and what made you interested in the EHE?

A: Yes I was away from the sport for quite some time as I was unable to commit. However I am grateful that I was away for some time as it has sparked my interest once more and given me the passion to take on the challenge of being a GM again. I got word of the EHE having some vacancies and after a few meetings with the commissioner; I knew that the way the league was being run was something I wanted to be a part of.

Q: You’re taking over a Buffalo Sabres team who just finished last; do you have any plans for the team this offseason?

A: Well, clearly the team did not perform well last season and it’s going to take some work to turn it around, but I’m up for the challenge. The Sabres finished last and we managed to fall out of the top 3 in the upcoming draft, which is not something I wanted to see but it’s something I will have to deal with. The major plan this offseason is going to be the draft, that’s where my sights are set. We have guys like (Jack) Eichel and (Max) Domi coming up and they’re going to be great pieces to build around, but I would love to acquire more draft picks and replenish the prospect list.

Q: Speaking of the draft, do you have any idea who you may be selecting at #4?

A: Our scouts are doing their job on evaluating potential players, and I have had the opportunity of meeting some of the talented young men who will be dawning NHL jerseys come draft day, but we have not made a decision on the pick as it is still early and there are many talented players that can be selected.

Q: To end off this interview is there anything else you would like to say to end us off?

A: Well I would just like to say thank you again to the commissioner for allowing me to step in and take over as the Sabres GM, even though I’ve been away from the game of hockey for so long. I would also like GMs to know that my phone is always by my side and I love discussing potential deals. I have already mentioned I am looking to make moves for the upcoming drafts so I hope the GMs get in contact with me to work something out.

It was a pleasure bringing to you this exclusive one-on-one interview with Roberto Martucci. Although new, Roberto seems poised to do good things in the EHE and we wish him the best of luck on his new challenges ahead.