Confirmed with Link: Granato Out (Jason Christie & Matt Smith also let go, Ellis being reassigned)

[Doug Prishpreed]

Weirdest is Ellis.

No, Ellis is the funniest.

 

[slip]

That is on their GM's inability to get quality goaltending for Lindy & Hamilton's injury more than the coaching job, IMO.

If Ruff's demise was the result of bad GM moves around goaltending and injuries to key players, that's even more reason to not consider him for the Buffalo job.

Look, it's not a bad idea. It's just a kind of lazy, expedient idea, which sadly probably appeals to ownership and could very well happen.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

This just had to happen. Pleasantly surprised they did it so quickly too, did not expect that. I do wish the best to Donnie though, I really liked him as a person and he was very likeable in interviews and with the players, hopefully he finds another job elsewhere.

Hopefully they take the summer to find the right fit coach.

If he wasn't fired, no free agent would come here. There was really no other option in mine, and it seems like everyone's opinions.

If Ruff's demise was the result of bad GM moves around goaltending and injuries to key players, that's even more reason to not consider him for the Buffalo job.

Look, it's not a bad idea. It's just a kind of lazy, expedient idea, which sadly probably appeals to ownership and could very well happen.

I can see them doing Appert HC, Lindy AC.

 

[MOGlLNY]

I'm fairly sure Matt Ellis' contract is either up or they're going to bury him in the press box. I highly highly doubt he is coaching behind the bench again.

 

[CrazyWayne]

Ellis I'm guessing they want to keep in the organization in a different role wether that's with the sabres anerks or even the harbor center academy of hockey

 

[MOGlLNY]

If he wasn't fired, no free agent would come here. There was really no other option in mine, and it seems like everyone's opinions.


I can see them doing Appert HC, Lindy AC.

Think it would be the opposite if anything. They don't need that kind of pressure on Appert right off the bat.

 

[Deevo]

I'll get on board with Lindy who the hell even cares anymore

 

[Jim Bob]

He is the king of ….. meh!

Back-to-back .500+ seasons in the midst of this drought is the best of the worst!

 

[slip]

Ellis I'm guessing they want to keep in the organization in a different role wether that's with the sabres anerks or even the harbor center academy of hockey

The food service experience at the arena could use a boost. Just sayin'.

 

[Dreakon13]

I'm fairly sure Matt Ellis' contract is either up or they're going to bury him in the press box. I highly highly doubt he is coaching behind the bench again.

Saw someone say this elsewhere, that his contract is up. Is there anywhere to see this sort of thing?

 

[Jacob582]

With WGR Jeremy mentioning the Appert thing (see post 72) I think it will be Appert with Vinny Prospal getting promoted as an assistant.

 

[sabresfan129103]

Amazing. Now get a hard ass coach in here. The country club atmosphere days are over. Keep these guys accountable.

 

[The Blunder Years]

I’m pulling for Gallant. Other than his years in CBJ, his record is crazy good.

 

[Jim Bob]

If Ruff's demise was the result of bad GM moves around goaltending and injuries to key players, that's even more reason to not consider him for the Buffalo job.

Look, it's not a bad idea. It's just a kind of lazy, expedient idea, which sadly probably appeals to ownership and could very well happen.

Plenty of coaches see their fortunes rise or sink due to goaltending and injuries.

I think the biggest challenge might be getting a veteran coach, especially one with options, to take the job here. We have seen players exercise NTC/NMC clauses to nix trades here. Getting a solid veteran NHL head coach could be more challenging than many think.

And with all that the Sabres mean to Lindy and that he stills lives in the area, that's why he is the floor when it comes to a veteran head coaching hire.

 

[slip]

Amazing. Now get a hard ass coach in here. The country club atmosphere days are over. Keep these guys accountable.

Rip out the new lockers and replace them with the old. And no more free parking!

 

[Jim Bob]

I’m pulling for Gallant. Other than his years in CBJ, his record is crazy good.

Gallant and Boudreau are the two reasonable veteran coaching candidates without any ties to Buffalo that would be interesting to me.

 

[newfiejesus]

That's a bit of a relief. I'm rotted and disgusted over this season (cue Wasted Years by Iron Maiden) and wonder how he went from Interim to Head Coach so easily.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Gallant and Boudreau are the two reasonable veteran coaching candidates without any ties to Buffalo that would be interesting to me.

Berube too, for me.

 

[joshjull]

I'll get on board with Lindy who the hell even cares anymore

Sadly this is where a lot of us are at this point.

 

[slip]

Plenty of coaches see their fortunes rise or sink due to goaltending and injuries.

I think the biggest challenge might be getting a veteran coach, especially one with options, to take the job here. We have seen players exercise NTC/NMC clauses to nix trades here. Getting a solid veteran NHL head coach could be more challenging than many think.

And with all that the Sabres mean to Lindy and that he stills lives in the area, that's why he is the floor when it comes to a veteran head coaching hire.

I think any experienced head coach would absolutely jump at the chance to coach the Sabres. There's only so many jobs in this league, and you gotta grab'em while you can.

 

[Willgamesh]

KA said " I would also like to thank Jason and Matt for the contributions to the team"
that makes me think they're gone.

 

[joshjull]

They definitely are.

 

[Jim Bob]

I think any experienced head coach would absolutely jump at the chance to coach the Sabres. There's only so many jobs in this league, and you gotta grab'em while you can.

It all depends on what other options are out there for them. Given that the team has missed the playoffs for 13 seasons and there are questions about how aggressive they will be in adding quality veterans to the roster, it could be harder to attract a quality veteran head coach than many hope.

I mean, is working for Adams and Pegula that attractive outside of being one of 32 jobs?

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

KA said " I would also like to thank Jason and Matt for the contributions to the team"
that makes me think they're gone.

The firings of Jason Christie and Matt Smith were part of the announcement.

 

[BG82]

I'm hoping we get a veteran coach.. I think Randy Carlyle would be super beneficial for our Young Mega ceiling Defensemen

Bruce Boudreau another veteran coach

Both Carlyle and Boudreau have winning experience with young cores