BUFFALO, NY — The Buffalo Sabers have hired Lindy Ruff as their new head coach. The news comes just 6 days after the Sabers fired Don Granato.
Ruff previously coached the Sabers between 1997 and 2013 and appeared in several playoff series, including a Stanley Cup Final, with the team.
Most recently, Ruff was the head coach of the New Jersey Devils, but was fired from the team earlier this year.
The Sabers announced the hire on social media Monday afternoon.
Ruff is the 5th winningest coach of all time in the NHL, with 864 regular season victories.
When including playoff victories, Ruff is the 4th winningest coach in NHL history with 935 wins.
The last time the Sabers made the NHL playoffs was during the 2010-11 season, during Ruff’s first stint as head coach.
“This is a team ready to take the next step,” Ruff said in a statement released by the Sabres. “I am both humbled and honored to have the confidence I have placed in this team to win now. This is not a job I take lightly. My goal is to making sure the players believe in each other, play for each other and enjoy being a Buffalo Saber “There is no doubt that we all must rise to the challenge that lies ahead. Work begins today and I couldn’t be more excited. “
In a statement posted on the Buffalo Sabers website, general manager Kevyn Adams said, “I am thrilled to welcome Lindy back as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. »
“During the hiring process, it quickly became clear that Lindy was the right person for the job,” Adams said. “He has experience, a proven track record, familiarity with young players and much more. I want to be clear though, this hire was not made with nostalgia in mind. Lindy is the right fit for the job now and any history with our organization and community is simply an added bonus. I wholeheartedly believe Lindy can help our team achieve its goals and am excited to work with him.
The Sabers announced that general manager Kevyn Adams and coach Lindy Ruff will address the media tomorrow at a press conference at 1 p.m.
