“The GOAT is back” – NHL fans react as Sabres announce Lindy Ruff as new head coach for 2024-25 season

Lindy Ruff previously coached the Buffalo Sabres from 1997 to 2013.

“The GOAT is back” – NHL fans react as Sabres announce Lindy Ruff as new head coach for 2024-25 season

Lindy Ruff (Image via Imago)

After failing to qualify for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres fired head coach Don Granato on Friday. The team have now announced Lindy Ruff as his replacement for the 2024-25 season.

This development will see Ruff return as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. The 64-year-old previously spent 16 years with the team from 1997 to 2013. In his first stint with the team, Ruff would go on to become the winningest coach who only coached one team in the NHL.

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After that, Ruff would have stints as the head coach of the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils and worked as the assistant coach with the New York Rangers. This announcement of him rejoining the Sabres comes a few weeks after the Devils relieved him off his duties.

While names such as Craig Berube and Dean Evason were available, the Sabres decided to go with Ruff. General Manager Kevyn Adams made it clear that his selection was not done with “nostalgia” in mind and that he was the right person for this job.

As I went through the hiring process, it quickly became clear Lindy was the person for the job. He has experience, a proven track record, familiarity with young players and so much more. I want to be clear, though, that this hire was not made with nostalgia in mind. Lindy is the right person for the job now, and any history with our organization and community is simply an added bonus. I believe wholeheartedly that Lindy can help our team reach their goals.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said in a statement.

Social media reactions to Lindy Ruff’s return to Buffalo Sabres

Since the news of Lindy Ruff returning to the Buffalo Sabres broke out, fans have been left excited. While there very some who took a swipe at him for his stint at the Devils, majority for them were happy to see him come back.

Lindy Ruff
Lindy Ruff (Image via ESPN)

Since his departure in 2013, the Sabres have endured some hard times. In this 11-year span, the team has finished four seasons with the worst record in the league and has changed several coaches and general managers.

This lead to one fan writing, “Finally after a decade something to smile about“. Meanwhile, one user who seemed overjoyed by the news, went on label him as the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time).

The Goat is back
One user commented on X.

Check out that and some more reactions below:

Can Ruff use all his experience and help the team bounce back in his second stint as their head coach? Only time will tell the answer to this huge question as the Sabres now prepare themselves to usher into the Ruff era again.

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