Sabres head coach Bylsma: 'I'm here to develop a winning culture'

Dan Bylsma knows turning around the NHL's worst club will be an uphill battle, but he's up to the challenge.

"I'm here to develop a winning culture and a winning team," the new Buffalo Sabres head coach told reporters Thursday.

Bylsma was hired earlier in the day and reportedly signed a five-year contract worth about $3 million per season. The Sabres will give the Pittsburgh Penguins a third-round draft pick in 2016 as compensation.

The Penguins fired Bylsma last June after a second-round playoff exit. He is the franchise's all-time leader in wins by a head coach with 252 in 401 games.

The Sabres went 23-51-8 and collected 54 points to finish with the league's worst record.

Bylsma guided the United States to a bronze medal at the World Championship earlier this month. That team included forward Jack Eichel, who the Sabres are expected to select with the second-overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.

"He's got outstanding skill," Bylsma said. "He (was) playing against NHL players and he stacked right up there with his skill, his size and his ability to play the game. Jack's going to be a good pick for anybody who does take him."

Bylsma said the Sabres already have some players that he is excited to work with.

"Matt Moulson is a guy I've really enjoyed ... coaching against," he said. "Tyler Ennis is a dynamic player (and) I think he's dynamic every time he steps on to the ice."

Bylsma said he has already met with Sabres forward Evander Kane and defenseman Josh Gorges.