Sabres Say Lindy Ruff Extension a “No Brainer”, But Coach Had to Make a Stop First

The Buffalo Sabres have signed Lindy Ruff to a two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season. It was a move GM Jarmo Kekalainen called a “no-brainer.”

Kekalianen said they first had conversations about an extension in Los Angeles. Ruff said he wanted to focus on the season/playoffs, and then they picked up those conversations after the loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night.

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Ruff, 66, is a Jack Adams Award finalist after leading the Buffalo Sabres back to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.

His first run as the Sabres coach lasted from 1997-2013. He was relieved of his duties, made a couple of stops along the way and was brought back ahead of the 2024-25 season. That first year wasn’t a success as the team finished with only 79 points. However, following the dismissal of GM Kevyn Adams, the Sabres exploded and Ruff guided a dramatic turnaround.

The Sabres improved to 109 points, won the Atlantic Division, and posted the NHL’s best record over the final five months following a front-office change that saw Jarmo Kekäläinen take over as manager. Despite a second-round playoff exit, Ruff earned praise for instilling discipline and competitiveness, helping restore pride in Buffalo while forcing the same group of players who hadn’t been successful to find another gear.

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin said of playing under Ruff, “He is so good at pushing us. That’s the main thing. There’s no time for effing around; you have to be uncomfortable every day. I think that’s what really helped us as a group. We took care of the other stuff, but he made sure he pushed us every day, and I think that brought us a lot of success for sure.”

Ruff said in a media availability on Wednesday, “I’m humbled again by the opportunity.” He thanked his wife, calling her his assistant coach and making sure she was good with him continuing to coach. He called her his biggest support system.

What’s Next for the Sabres?

With the coaching questions now answered, Kekalainen will turn to business involving his roster. The club has several pending UFAs, including Alex Tuch who confirmed on Wednesday that the GM expressed “his desire to have me back. He’ll be in touch with my agent.”

Tuch said he isn’t sure how this will all unfold for him. He said he loves this team and playing here, but he’s going to do what’s best for him and his family, and that’s his priority.

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