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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- First, Ryan Miller. Now, Pat LaFontaine. A day after trading their star goalie to St. Louis, the Buffalo Sabres lost another face of their franchise after LaFontaine abruptly resigned as president of hockey operations on Saturday a little more than three months after being brought in to provide a new direction to the NHLs last-place team. The Sabres announced the decision in a news release issued after speculation had been raised of a potential front-office shake-up involving LaFontaine. "I would like to thank Pat for all he has done for the organization," Sabres owner Terry Pegula said in the release. "Pat joined us at a very difficult time, and helped transition the organization down a new path." The Sabres said LaFontaine would be returning to his previous role working with the National Hockey League. LaFontaine had been working with the league on player safety issues before being hired by the Sabres in mid-November. The former Sabres captains arrival was hailed as a major turning point for a struggling team. LaFontaine took over following a change in the front office during which general manager Darcy Regier and coach Ron Rolston were dismissed following the Sabres 4-15-1 start. LaFontaines first move was hiring former Sabres coach Ted Nolan to take over as coach on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. LaFontaines next step came in January, when he hired Tim Murray as general manager. "Terry Pegula hired me in November, and my primary objective was to lead the Sabres organization through a time of transition," LaFontaine said in the Sabres release. "Im proud of what weve been able to accomplish in a short period of time, and want to thank Terry and Kim Pegula for the opportunity and their support during my time with the Sabres." LaFontaines resignation still comes as a major surprise. In January, LaFontaine talked openly about how he would use his connections to USA Hockey in a bid to lure national and international events to Buffalo. He leaves a day after Murray made his first big splash by trading star goalie Ryan Miller and captain Steve Ott to the St. Louis Blues. In exchange, the Sabres acquired goalie Jaroslav Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a 2015 first-round pick and a conditional 2016 third-round pick in a deal reached in advance of the NHL trade deadline on Wednesday. The Sabres (18-34-8) had the day off on Saturday, and return to practice on Sunday before travelling to play at Dallas on Monday. They remain in last place, but are enjoying their first three-game winning streak following a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Friday. This is not the first time LaFontaine has abruptly stepped down as an NHL team executive. In July 2006, LaFontaine quit the New York Islanders a little over a month after being brought in to serve as senior adviser to owner Charles Wang. In Buffalo, LaFontaines absence was notable this week once the team returned to the ice following the leagues Olympic break. He was not spotted in the press box during the Sabres three-game homestand that began with a 3-2 win over Carolina on Tuesday. That was unusual because LaFontaine had previously spent time watching games from the press-box level in Pegulas box, alongside Murray and several of the owners associates. LaFontaine also missed the teams "Power Play Luncheon" for fans on Friday, when he was scheduled to speak along with fellow former Sabres greats Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert and Danny Gare. The crowd was informed LaFontaine had the flu. The Sabres have become a top-heavy organization since Regiers dismissal. Pegula created the position of president of hockey operations to hire LaFontaine. And Pegula did so only after LaFontaine declined a chance to become the GM by saying he didnt think he had enough experience for that job. Along with hiring Murray, the Sabres also brought in Hockey Hall of Fame member and long-time executive Craig Patrick to serve as a special adviser. LaFontaine backed the hiring of Murray and Patrick, by referring to both as his "wingers." He also discussed how important it was for him to be building a front-office team that could work together in rebuilding a team that has missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, and not won a playoff round since reaching the 2007 Eastern Conference finals. Its not clear what effect LaFontaines departure will have on the teams short-term future, including Nolans status. Murray said this week hes already had discussions with Nolan about extending his contract beyond this season. Derek Sanderson Jersey . 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According to the Globe and Mail, a decision between the NHL and the Players Association should come within the six months. "I can tell you, (a decision) shouldnt take all that long," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Globe and Mail.WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper made his first rehabilitation assignment Tuesday night for Single-A Potomac, going 1 -for 1 with a double, a walk, and a run scored. Last years National League Rookie of the Year batted second in the lineup and played three innings in left field before being pulled. Harper hadnt played since May 26 and was put on the disabled list June 2 with bursitis in his left knee. Entering Monday, Harper had missed 25 straight games and 31 of the first 75 this season for Washington. "He looks the same old Harp," said Potomac manager Brian Daubach who also had Harper in Hagerstown in 2011. After having the best record in the majors last season at 98-64, the Nationals have struggled without Harper and are 37-38. Harper wore a knee brace during warm-ups, but it wasnt visible during the game. In Harpers first at-bat he hit a pop-up into shallow left field that was dropped by Myrtle Beach shortstop Edwin Garcia. Harper showed no signs of the knee ailment as he raced around first base and into second for a stand-up double. "The double he hit was a blooper down the left field line and he was flying," said Daubach. "Its as good as Ive seen him run." Moments later Harper was picked off by Pelicans pitcher Blake Schwartz after taking a large lead and failing to slide back in time to beat the throw. "Hes aggressive," Daubach said. "When he got second, looking to take third in a situation with one out, all positive for me." In the third inning, Harper got a late start on Rougned Odors shot into left field. The left fielder recovered to make up ground but the ball bounced over the wall for a ground-rule double. Harpers second at-bat ended after seven pitches with a walk. "I know hes been out awhile, and as you see with most rehab guys, the more at-bats they get they get it back," Daubach said. " But to have the second at-bat be a long at bat and to lay off some good pitches was a good sign." The next batter, Jason Martinson, doubled Harper to third. Again Harpers knee looked fine as he raced around the bases so fast that his helmet couldnt keep up and flew off his head before reaching third. Harper wasnt at third base long as the next hitter, Adrian Nieto, singled him home. Harper, still the youngest player on the team, picked up Nietos bat before crouching down and cheering as Martinson slid home to even the game 3-3. Potomac defeated Myrtle Beach 7-5. Although admitting to not having the final say, Daubach answered that Harper playing six innings on Wednesday "sounds about right.dddddddddddd." "After playing for the first time in a while, hopefully he comes back ready to go tomorrow," said Daubach. Harpers appearance with Potomac could be felt early on as long lines were visible outside the stadium as early as two hours before the first pitch. Harpers batting practice also caused quite a scene as more than 100 fans crowded around the cage, while others looked on from the top row of the first-base stands. Many in attendance wore Harpers jersey, while others took pictures trying to get a glimpse of the all-star. Kids chanted his name from atop their fathers necks and teenage girls gave him the rock star treatment by screaming as he was led by police officers back to the dugout after the session. It was the first sellout of the season for the Potomac Nationals. "On a Tuesday night it can get slow around here," Daubach said. "It wasnt the normal Tuesday night for us for sure." Manager Davey Johnson, speaking before Washingtons game against Arizona, said Harper likely wont rejoin the Nationals this weekend when they travel to New York. "I doubt if hell be able to make it that quick," Johnson said, pointing to a series starting next Monday in Washington against Milwaukee for Harpers likely return. "Hell probably do three or four innings tonight, and then, if theres no problem, gradually up it." Outfielder Jayson Werth, who left Sundays game with a strained left groin, was in the Nationals starting lineup against Arizona. The Nationals also placed pitcher Dan Haren on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday, with right shoulder inflammation. They also recalled first baseman-outfielder Tyler Moore from Triple-A Syracuse. Haren underwent an MRI exam Monday, which he said revealed no structural damage, and he received a cortisone shot. "Theres nothing surprising definitely," Haren said. "Obviously, there was a little bit of inflammation and stuff in there. I dont know if thats normal wear and tear, or maybe a little bit more than normal. I got a shot, which is the best way to take out all the stiffness and any inflammation thats in there." The 32-year-old right-hander said he could begin throwing again as early as Wednesday. Signed to one-year, $13 million contract in the off-season, Haren is 4-9 with a 6.15 ERA in 15 starts. On Saturday, he lasted just 3 1/3 innings, surrendering six runs on seven hits in a 7-1 loss to Colorado. Moore is batting .158 with five doubles, two home runs, 13 RBIs, and seven runs scored in 38 games this season with the Nationals. ' ' '