The search for the next general manager of the Buffalo Sabres is rumored to have extended to the desert.

But if asked, Arizona will reportedly not allow Buffalo to speak with John Chayka, the Coyotes' general manager, according to Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports.

The 27-year-old has four years remaining on his current contract with the club, as Morgan reports, clarifying that he's not saying the Sabres have formally inquired.

Chayka joined the Coyotes in 2015 as the assistant GM responsible for analytics. He moved into the top job last offseason following the firing of longtime executive Don Maloney.

The Sabres are in search of a new GM and head coach after dismissing Tim Murray and Dan Bylsma last Thursday.

A move to Western New York would mark a homecoming of sorts for Chayka, who hails from the nearby Niagara Region.