Lindy Ruff is back in Buffalo after more than a decade, returning to coach the Sabres. He was let go as the team’s most successful coach 11 years ago. Since then, he’s coached in Dallas and New Jersey.
The Sabres, who haven’t made the playoffs in 13 seasons, hope Ruff can turn things around. He replaces Don Granato, who was fired last week after coaching for over three seasons.
Ruff has a history with Buffalo, having played as a defenseman and served as captain before coaching the team for over 14 seasons. His last playoff appearance with the Sabres was in 2011 when they lost in the first round to Philadelphia in seven games.
His return brings back memories of his determination to fix things in Buffalo before he was let go. Since then, the team’s struggles have only worsened.
They’ve had the worst record in the NHL four times during this period, with seven different coaches and four general managers. The Sabres have been through several rebuilding phases and ended last season with the youngest roster in the NHL.
General manager Kevyn Adams fulfilled his goal of hiring a coach with lots of experience by bringing in Ruff.
Ruff was named NHL’s coach of the year with Buffalo in 2006. He’s coached 1,774 games and won 864, including a record 571 with Buffalo. Adams started his coaching career as Ruff’s assistant in Buffalo in 2011.
“As I went through the hiring process, it quickly became clear Lindy was the person for the job,” Adams said. “He has experience, a proven track record, familiarity with young players and so much more.
I want to be clear, though, that this hire was not made with nostalgia in mind. Lindy is the right person for the job now, and any history with our organization and community is simply a bonus. I believe wholeheartedly that Lindy can help our team reach their goals.”
Ruff coached the New Jersey Devils for four seasons, taking them to the second round of the playoffs last year before being fired in March. He was replaced by Travis Green, and the Devils missed the playoffs.
“This is a team ready to take the next step,” Ruff said. “I am both humbled and honored to be trusted to help this team win now. It is not a job that I take lightly. … There is no doubt that we all need to embrace the challenge ahead of us. The work starts today and I could not be more excited.”
