Lindy Ruff Rejoins Buffalo Sabres as Head Coach with Goals of Revitalizing the Team

Monday, April 22nd, 2024

The Buffalo Sabres have brought back Lindy Ruff, the coach behind their 2011 playoff run, for another stint.

At 64, Ruff returns to the helm after a mid-season departure from the New Jersey Devils, stepping in for Don Granato who was released following a three-year stint.

Previously, Ruff had a 15-year tenure with the Sabres from 1997 to 2013, securing a spot as the fifth-winningest coach in history with victories across three teams totaling 864, and his overall wins, including playoff victories, tie him for fourth place all-time.

Kevyn Adams, the Sabres' general manager and a former colleague of Ruff, highlighted Ruff's extensive experience, his ability to connect with younger players, and a solid track record as the reasons for his selection, dismissing the notion that the decision was based on sentimental reasons.

During his initial time with the Sabres, Ruff led the team to the playoffs eight times, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999, and was named the Jack Adams Award recipient in 2005-06 among his other accolades.

The Sabres are looking to end the NHL's longest playoff drought, having not participated in postseason play since the 2010-11 season.

Ruff's recent work includes guiding a youthful New Jersey squad to the playoffs in the 2022-23 season before his release following a season that didn't meet expectations.

Ruff has expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the Sabres and is focused on contributing to the team's success, with his official reintroduction set for Tuesday.

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