Speculation: The Coaching Search (Friedman: Ruff to be next HC)

[5 Minute Major]

It would be kinda funny if it's Ruff after the words Ruff said about Granato at RJ's memorial last summer

Yeah, he really pumped up Granato’s tires.

 

[Dubi Doo]

I'd be fine with any of the veteran coaches mentioned. Theyre all going to have some flaws. They're available for a reason after all.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

FWIW Jack Hughes said Lindy Ruff made him the player he is today. Hughes gave credit to Ruff for speeding up his development and making him more of a complete player.

He also made it through his Dallas contract without getting fired under Jim Nill, which says a lot to me. Might not of had a ton of success there but still.

 

[Mattilaus]

I think it will be Lindy and like many others, I am fine with it. It's not a super inspiring hire but it checks a lot of boxes. He has experience, he will bring structure and accountability, and aside from team performance, he will be a popular hire for both ownership and the casual fan.

 

[oldgoalie]

Ha! We’ve suffered enough over the last Kris’ Dozen…I don’t need to add to our collective misery. Good to see you hanging strong, brother


Right - was hoping for some additional clarity myself

Been wondering where the hell you had gone off to!

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Kevin weeks just mentioned that Mike Sullivan could be the guy

Thinks that if the pens miss the playoffs both Sullivan and the pens might look for a fresh start

I forgot about him. Sure, he's fine too.

 

[Dingo44]

Kevyn Adams wants 'pedigree' in the next Sabres coach: Which candidates fit the bill?

Kevyn Adams is clear he wants a coach with lots of NHL experience after moving on from Don Granato.

theathletic.com

“Experience,” Adams said. “I want the next head coach to be someone that has experience and can push this group to the next level. And win hockey games. And I think that’s — I have it in my mind exactly what I’m looking for and that’ll be starting today.

“I’m gonna move forward as quickly as possible because I have a very clear direction in my mind of where we’re gonna go. But previous NHL head coaching experience, pedigree, is important.”

Fairburn's list:

Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes
Lindy Ruff
Craig Berube
Bruce Boudreau
Dean Evanson
Todd McClellan
Jay Woodcroft
Gerard Gallant
Joel Quenneville

Also lists Mike Sullivan and Sheldon Keefe as options if they get fired.

 

[toddkaz]

Does bringing back Lindy Ruff put people in the seats?

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Kevyn Adams wants 'pedigree' in the next Sabres coach: Which candidates fit the bill?

Kevyn Adams is clear he wants a coach with lots of NHL experience after moving on from Don Granato.

theathletic.com

Fairburn's list:

Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes
Lindy Ruff
Craig Berube
Bruce Boudreau
Dean Evanson
Todd McClellan
Jay Woodcroft
Gerard Gallant
Joel Quenneville

Also lists Mike Sullivan and Sheldon Keefe as options if they get fired.

Keefe might be my favorite out of that list.

I don’t know what to think about Sullivan…pens fans have been complaining about him for years, but he has a solid track record I guess

 

[5 Minute Major]

Does bringing back Lindy Ruff put people in the seats?

For a bit.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Does bringing back Lindy Ruff put people in the seats?

Yes. Casual fans will instantly connect with the good times.

 

[Dirty Dog]

If it’s Ruff what else do we need to do to break the curse and come full circle?

Does Hasek need to connect with Mrs. Nolan?

 

[Husko]

Ruff is my #1 choice. If we're going to be bad, let's at least be bad with a hint of nostalgia. (And yes he would bring some much needed credibility to the org)

 

[Husko]

Kevyn Adams wants 'pedigree' in the next Sabres coach: Which candidates fit the bill?

Kevyn Adams is clear he wants a coach with lots of NHL experience after moving on from Don Granato.

theathletic.com

Fairburn's list:

Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes
Lindy Ruff
Craig Berube
Bruce Boudreau
Dean Evanson
Todd McClellan
Jay Woodcroft
Gerard Gallant
Joel Quenneville

Also lists Mike Sullivan and Sheldon Keefe as options if they get fired.

This is a good list. I'd be happy with pretty much any of them.

 

[jc17]

Based on the reactions to the presser adams might knight himself

I get the logic of berube, but I'll need more convincing its not just a "hes tough and has a cup" hire. Seems like his teams didn't really over perform their roster outside of 1 year

 

[Fezzy126]

My personal list:

• Pipe Dream:
  • RBA (Probably a super pipe dream)
  • Quenneville
• Yes Please:
  • Peca - I don't care about experience, I care about good, and I'm willing to take that chance with Peca
• Fine (part 1):
  • Ruff - if nothing else we like Lindy and he likes us
• Fine (part 2):
  • One of Sully or Keefe if they get fired

I've got no love for guys like Berube, Gallant, or Boudreau, too many warts for my liking.

 

[yahhockey]

The hiring needs to pan out. Please. Pretty please with cherries on top. I don't care who it is, I don't care about experience, I don't care about anything other than if they have a plan that that comes to fruition to maximize the talent and effort of the players. The team needs to be in the playoffs. The barn will be rocking. It has been too long.

 

[Dirty Dog]

My personal list:

• Pipe Dream:
  • RBA (Probably a super pipe dream)
  • Quenneville
• Yes Please:
  • Peca - I don't care about experience, I care about good, and I'm willing to take that chance with Peca
• Fine (part 1):
  • Ruff - if nothing else we like Lindy and he likes us
• Fine (part 2):
  • One of Sully or Keefe if they get fired

I've got no love for guys like Berube, Gallant, or Boudreau, too many warts for my liking.

Quenneville may have the biggest wart of them all! But I hear you

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Please don't hate, but was Berube's success Binnington's run ?

Anyone other than The HN like Woodcroft ?

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/former-oilers-coach-should-be-top-sabres-candidate

 

[jBuds]

Please don't hate, but Was Berube's success Binnington's run ?

I’m trying to get this answered as well. Not sure what to make of that tenure.

 

[jBuds]

Been wondering where the hell you had gone off to!

Stepped aside for a couple… years…??? to get a family and a hockey program up and running and they both (thankfully) are. Have some more down time now, for sure. Happy to be back and missed a lot of you guys - you’re near the top of the list, OG

 

[jd1970]

Kind of disappointing if its Ruff, he ia just a Buffalo retread, we've been bad for so long you associate the good times with Lindy. It's nothing more than a placebo effect.

Or it would be like Lou Saban.

 

[5 Minute Major]

I’m trying to get this answered as well. Not sure what to make of that tenure.

I get Bylsma vibes from Berube. He has a Cup, sure. But…..

 

[Husko]

Kind of disappointing if its Ruff, he ia just a Buffalo retread, we've been bad for so long you associate the good times with Lindy. It's nothing more than a placebo effect.

I mean he's a good coach. He's done well most places he's gone. I'm fine with the idea that he lacks the fresh start someone new would bring. But if you see his Buffalo experience/nostalgia/etc. as a virtue, then he's probably just a little better of an option than any of the other retreads.

 

[jBuds]

I get Bylsma vibes from Berube. He has a Cup, sure. But…..

More than I’m getting in either direction, ha. I have nothing and I want more.

Aside, I’m surprised by the sentiment on Ruff. I haven’t allowed my emotions to process that idea yet, either, but the overwhelming acceptance of that reunion is definitely not what I expected to see when I checked in here.

I know I wouldn’t lose my mind with anger. But does it excite me? I’m not there yet.

Small steps. This team has left a long burn on my mind and body… shocker…