While much of the talk surrounds Rick Tocchet being a leading candidate for the Buffalo Sabres opening, don’t count out Penguins assistant coach Jacques Martin emerging as a top contender for the job.

The Sabres have asked for permission to interview Martin who has keen interest in the job, a league source tells TIOPS. An interview is expected to happen next week.

Sabres GM Jason Botterill is a strong admirer of Martin who joined the Penguins organization in 2013.

In addition to Tocchet and Martin, the Sabres will also interview former Penguins assistant Todd Reirden, among others.