In a significant move aimed at revitalizing their franchise, the Buffalo Sabres have welcomed back Lindy Ruff as their head coach. Ruff, who holds the record for the most wins by a head coach in Sabres history, returns to the team he led from 1997 to 2013. This coaching change comes just one week after the Sabres dismissed Don Granato, following a season that saw the team miss the playoffs for a record 13th consecutive year.
Ruff’s Historic Ties to Buffalo
Lindy Ruff is no stranger to the Sabres or their fanbase. Under his previous tenure, he took the team to the 1999 Stanley Cup final, something the Sabres hope to achieve in the coming years. After leaving Buffalo, Ruff spent several seasons with other NHL teams, including a recent stint with the New Jersey Devils, where he was let go after a challenging season that capped off three and a half years at the helm.
A Season to Forget
The Sabres’ decision to rehire Ruff follows a disappointing 2023-2024 season where they secured only 39 wins out of 82 games, finishing sixth in the Atlantic Division. This lackluster performance extended their distressing streak of playoff absences, prompting the team to clear out several coaching positions, including an assistant coach and video coordinator, whose replacements remain unnamed. The Sabres have missed playoffs for 13 straight years, an NHL record.
Looking Forward with Ruff
Buffalo’s management is betting on Ruff’s extensive NHL coaching experience and previous success with the team to help guide their young, talented roster back to competitiveness. The Sabres are eager to turn over a new leaf, hoping that Ruff’s leadership will catalyze a much-needed revival for the franchise, particularly in nurturing the development of their promising players, as the Sabres are loaded with young talent and prospects.
The Sabres’ Next Chapter
As Lindy Ruff steps back into the KeyBank Center, both he and the Sabres are under immense pressure to deliver results. The fans are hopeful that his return will mark the beginning of a new era, one that finally brings the team back into the postseason. With a roster brimming with potential and a familiar face behind the bench, the Sabres are looking to rekindle their former glory and make a significant impact in the NHL once again.