The trade was forced by ownership narrative is speculation. The Pegula's have seen all the heat Botterill has taken over. If they directed it I think they'd come out and say so.
ROR snippet from Q&A with Tim Graham
The Satchel: Tim Graham answers your questions on Mogilny's... (paywall)
There is a feeling that Terry Pegula did not want an experienced GM and did not hire a hockey president because he wants to have the last word in all the player matters (trades, salary, etc). With a first-time GM and no president, Pegula is the guy who takes the last decision, and I think the abrupt and unfortunate Ryan O’Reilly trade it is on Pegula, not on Botts. What is your insight? — Sergiu S.
People I trust tell me this is inaccurate. In fact, Terry Pegula has been increasingly hands-off over the years with both the Sabres and Bills. He hires executives to do those jobs and lets them work without meddling.
Pegula has final say over every personnel move; that is any owner’s prerogative. But insight from those who know insist Pegula provides Sabres GM Jason Botterill and Bills GM Brandon Beane all the latitude and resources they wish.
Many folks are upset the Pegulas haven’t installed a hockey or football czar above Botterill or Beane, or haven’t hired another president since Russ Brandon’s firing. I don’t understand why this is a controversial issue. The term “president” isn’t consistently applied throughout sports. A president with one club might be what another team calls its general manager or its vice president of hockey operations. Some presidents handle only the business and carry zero sway on sports decisions. Botterill and Beane are in charge, so there’s no need for a president, no purpose for another layer in between either GM and the Pegulas.
Why was Ryan O’Reilly traded? — John M.
In retrospect, the trade was stone-cold stupid. At the time, though, O’Reilly’s standing in Buffalo was far more complicated. O’Reilly forced himself onto the trading block with his controversial comment about losing his love for the game. A vocal percentage of fans wanted him gone immediately, a sentiment I doubt they’ll fess up to now. Even so, his comments were a legitimate concern that reflected poorly on the organization. The Sabres felt obligated to remove a distraction that would have endured the entire offseason and bled into the next.