In a surprising twist that’s caught the attention of the hockey world, former Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato, who now serves as an on-air contributor and brand ambassador for ESPN Madison WTLX, has publicly addressed current Sabres coach Lindy Ruff with a candid and unexpected message about the team’s direction, leadership, and future.
Speaking during a segment of The Hockey Sound-Off on ESPN Madison this morning, Granato pulled no punches in a heartfelt, if critical, commentary on the Sabres’ recent struggles in preseason preparations and what he called “a return to old patterns.”
“I have enormous respect for Lindy. He’s a legend in Buffalo,” Granato said. “But what I’m seeing on the ice, and more importantly off it, is not the culture we worked so hard to build over the past few years. There’s a leadership vacuum, and if it doesn’t get addressed fast, this team risks sliding backward.”
Granato’s remarks came after the Sabres’ disappointing 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators in a preseason exhibition, during which the team appeared disorganized and lacking in energy—something that Granato emphasized had been a recurring issue in the tail-end of his own tenure.
Granato, who coached the Sabres from 2021 to 2024 and played a key role in developing young stars like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, was replaced by Ruff after a shift in front office leadership last season. Ruff previously coached the Sabres from 1997 to 2013 and returned amid fanfare to “bring the glory days back.”
However, Granato appeared skeptical of that narrative.
“We can’t coach today’s players with yesterday’s philosophy. The league is faster, more fluid, and more mental than it’s ever been. I hope Lindy is able to evolve, because the talent is there. But systems alone won’t win games in this NHL.”
This is the first time Granato has directly commented on the team since his departure, and his words have already triggered strong reactions from fans, players, and sports media.
When reached for comment, a Sabres spokesperson declined to respond directly but emphasized that “the organization remains focused on a strong, united start to the upcoming regular season.”
Ruff, who has not yet made a public statement in response, is expected to address the media tomorrow following team practice in Buffalo.
Analysis
Granato’s remarks underscore a larger conversation happening throughout the NHL: the tension between “old school” coaching styles and the modern, player-first approach that emphasizes analytics, communication, and flexibility. With a roster full of young potential, the Sabres are at a crossroads—one where leadership and adaptability will be key to success.
Whether Granato’s words serve as a wake-up call or deepen divisions within the Sabres’ ecosystem remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the former coach still deeply cares about the franchise, and he’s not afraid to speak his mind.
