Lindy Ruff Returns to Buffalo to End Sabres' 13-Year Playoff Drought
- Lindy Ruff was hired as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres in April 2023.
- The team has struggled for over a decade, with multiple coaching changes and player departures impacting performance.
- Ruff's experience is expected to bring structure and discipline to the young roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In April 2023, the Buffalo Sabres announced the hiring of coach Lindy Ruff, who previously led the team for 16 seasons. His return comes as the Sabres aim to break a 13-year playoff drought, a period marked by multiple rebuilding attempts and coaching changes. Ruff's experience is expected to instill much-needed structure and discipline in a young roster that struggled last season, particularly in their defensive play and power play efficiency. The team has seen significant player departures, including notable forwards, and will rely on the development of younger talents like Jack Quinn and Zach Benson. The Sabres' season opener is scheduled for October 4 against New Jersey in Prague, Czech Republic, as they look to improve their performance and re-establish a winning culture.