FILE - This Jan. 25, 2010, file photo shows Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff arguing a penalty against Sabres’ Paul Gaustad during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Sabres have picked up the one-year option on head coach Ruff’s contract, which means he will be back for a 13th season. Sabres minority owner Larry Quinn announced the move during a news conference Thursday, April 29, 2010, three days after Buffalo was eliminated by Boston in Game 6 of their first-round series. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward, File)
AP
One of the off-season coaching questions that came up after the Buffalo Sabres were eliminated from the playoffs was whether or not there would be any fallout from a semi-surprising failure by the third seeded Buffalo Sabres. Head coach Lindy Ruff has been with the team since the 1997-1998 season and some fans are getting anxious about continued failure. Those fans may have to sit tight for another year if they’re eager for change, however.
Buffalo Sabres Minority Owner/Managing Partner Larry Quinn announced today the Sabres have picked up the one-year contract option on head coach Lindy Ruff’s contract. Ruff is now under contract with Buffalo through the 2010-11 season.
For those wondering about general manager Darcy Regier, he has one more year left on his contract so it could be the last chance these two guys to get something done together and get the Sabres back to the Finals. That said, anyone expecting big changes from the Sabres based upon a disappointing first round loss aren’t too familiar with how the Sabres work as the last time they had any major upheaval in personnel was when former coach Ted Nolan was unceremoniously disposed of after winning the Jack Adams trophy as coach of the year in 1997.