Wonder if Lindy would bring James Patrick with him. Both Lindy and James have ties to the Rangers previously. I think Lindy is getting a bum rep in this thread.
Fact is, the Rangers are in a position to make a push right now. Bringing in a more experienced coach, in my opinion, is the correct move.
Ruff was able to take the Sabres to two straight ECFs because he was able to get the most out of his star players through the season and in the post-season. Drury, Briere, Afinogenov, Vanek, Pominville, and Derek Roy all excelled under Ruff. Vanek as a 21/22 yr old those years (05-06, 06-07). He's coached Pyatt before (who knows if Taylor will be here next season though). He coached a guy like Pat Kaleta Pat's entire career. And sure, Kaleta was still a ******, but Ruff got a lot out of him and knew his purpose on the ice; that will do wonders for Dorsett, or a guy like Haley to get a real shot here.
And both of those seasons, the Sabres pushed through the playoffs with overly mediocre goalie Ryan Miller.
I for one, would welcome Lindy coming to town. I'd love to see what he could get out of our forwards, I'd love to see what he can do with a goalie like Lundqvist, and a budding defense like the Rangers have.
I'd be okay with Eakins, but like I said, I'm hesitant in bringing in a fresh coach like Eakins or especially Messier, with a team that is so ready to make a push. If the Rangers were in "rebuild" mode, I'd be all for a guy like Eakins or Mess. Let the coach grow with the team. For now, while we're still "in it to win it" let's get a guy with a pedigree, with the experience, and with the knowledge.
Sign me up for Ruff.
Ruff '13