The search for the Buffalo Sabres' next coach has reportedly led General Manager Jason Botterill to Dave Tippett.

In his weekly "31 Thoughts" column, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wrote Tuesday that Tippett's recent interview with the Sabres went "very well."

Friedman also confirmed a previous report that Jacques Martin is a candidate in Buffalo, while Swedish National Team coach Rikard Gronborg is also "in the mix" and Toronto Marlies coach Sheldon Keefe impressed Sabres brass with his first-round series win against Rochester.

Tippett, 57, has not coached in the NHL the past two seasons, most recently serving as a senior adviser for Seattle's ownership group. Following a fifth consecutive nonplayoff season, Tippett agreed to part ways with the Arizona Coyotes in 2017, only one year after he signed a five-year contract extension.

Tippett has 14 years of NHL coaching experience, beginning with a six-year stint behind the Dallas Stars' bench. He led the Stars to the Western Conference Final in 2008, only to be fired after missing the playoffs the following season.