Jason Botterill has long aspired to become an NHL general manager. His college coach had even bigger plans.

“I would love to see him as the next commissioner of the NHL,” Michigan legend Red Berenson told MGoBlue.com in 2009. “I think that much of him. He would be perfect.

“He knows hockey. He knows business. He has a great education. He's the kind of smart, young guy that you want to see running things.”

The Sabres could very well agree.

Buffalo has held a second interview with Botterill for its GM job, according to multiple reports Wednesday. It’s not known how many of the seven candidates are getting second looks, but The Buffalo News has learned that one has not been contacted for another talk.

That would point to Botterill as a favorite.

(Update: The Sabres hired Botterill on May 11.)