In his early days as a coach, Jay McKee said he visualized success the same way he had as a player. The popular former defenseman, a linchpin on some beloved Buffalo Sabres teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s, wanted to reach the highest level as quickly as possible.

“As a former athlete … you strive to be at the top level,” said McKee, who played his first NHL game at 18 and secured regular duty before his 20th birthday. “All your training, all your focus, you try to achieve your top level as quick as you can.”

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