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Buffalo Sabres Hire Lindy Ruff as Head Coach

Buffalo Sabres Hire Lindy Ruff as Head Coach - GlobalCurrent24.com

Buffalo Sabres hire Lindy Ruff as head coach ahead of the 2024 NHL playoffs. The team officially announced the hiring through their social media handles.

The Buffalo Sabres have hired Lindy Ruff as head coach, the team announced on Monday.

Ruff previously served as the Sabres’ head coach from 1997 to 2013. He received the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s best coach in 2006.

“I am thrilled to welcome Lindy back as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres,” Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams said in a statement. “As I went through the hiring process, it quickly became evident that Lindy was the right individual for the job. He has experience, a proven track record, knowledge of young players, and much more. I want to make it clear that this hire was not made with nostalgia in mind. Lindy is the appropriate person for the job right now, and her previous experience with our organization and community is simply an added plus. I am confident that Lindy can assist our team achieve its objectives and am looking forward to working with him.”

The move comes after Don Granato was fired last week for failing to lead the squad to the playoffs yet again. The Sabres have missed the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons. The last time this happened was in 2011, when Ruff was coaching the team.

“I am thankful to Terry, the Pegula family, and Kevyn Adams for this opportunity,” Ruff said in a statement. “This is a team that is prepared to take the next step. I’m humbled and honored to be trusted to assist this squad win right now. I do not take my position lightly. My goal is to ensure that players believe in one another, play for one another, and enjoy being a Buffalo Sabre. Without a doubt, we must all embrace the task that lies ahead of us. The work begins today, and I could not be more excited.”

Since Buffalo sacked him in February 2013, the 64-year-old has held head coaching jobs in Dallas and New Jersey, while the Sabres have gone through six coaches in that time, including Ron Rolston, Ted Nolan, Dan Bylsma, Phil Housley, Ralph Krueger, and Granato.