BREAKING NEWS: Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams in an Open Interview, Head Coach Lindy Ruff Revealed…

In a candid and unexpected twist during an open interview today, Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams made headlines by revealing a major organizational development: NHL coaching veteran Lindy Ruff has officially been named the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.

Adams, addressing media and fans during a Q\&A session at KeyBank Center, spoke openly about the team’s future and the leadership direction he envisions moving forward. “This team has been on the cusp for years now,” Adams said. “We need a voice that commands respect, brings experience, and knows what it means to win in Buffalo. That’s why I’m proud to officially announce Lindy Ruff as our new head coach.”

A Familiar Face Returns

Lindy Ruff, one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, returns to the Sabres bench after more than a decade away. Ruff previously served as head coach of the team from 1997 to 2013, leading Buffalo to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999 and earning the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 2006.

“It feels like home,” Ruff said in a brief statement following Adams’ announcement. “This city, this organization — it’s part of who I am. I’m coming back to finish what we started.”

Ruff, now 65, most recently coached the New Jersey Devils and brings with him over 800 career NHL coaching wins. Known for his blend of tough accountability and strategic insight, Ruff will be tasked with turning one of the NHL’s most promising young cores into a legitimate playoff contender.

Reactions from Players and Fans

Reactions from around the league and within the organization were swift and largely positive. Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin expressed excitement at the news. “Coach Ruff knows how to win and how to get the best out of players. This is a huge step for us,” he told reporters.

Sabres fans, many of whom still wear Ruff-era jerseys to games, reacted with enthusiasm on social media, with #RuffReturns trending in Buffalo within an hour of the announcement.

Looking Ahead

Kevyn Adams made it clear that this is more than just a nostalgia move. “This isn’t about looking backward,” he said. “It’s about trusting the future of our young talent with someone who knows what it takes to win here.”

The Sabres, who finished just outside the playoff picture this past season, will now look to build on their progress under Ruff’s leadership. With a strong pipeline of young talent, including prospects like Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Devon Levi, expectations will be high as training camp approaches.

This move signals a pivotal moment for the Buffalo Sabres — a blend of past legacy and future hope, all embodied in the return of Lindy Ruff behind the bench.