A Tweet from Kevin Weekes was posted Wednesday evening indicating that the New Jersey Devils are going to be hiring Lindy Ruff as their head coach.
**Breaking News**
As per what I’m told ; @NJDevils to name Lindy Ruff as their new Head Coach. Also expected to remove the interim tag from GM Tom Fitzgerald.@NHL @NHLNetwork— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 8, 2020
There have been a lot of New York Rangers fans commenting on how they didn’t enjoy him there as an assistant coach, but not he gets another chance at the head coaching position.
It’s a little surprising that the Devils chose Ruff over some other very experienced coaches out there, such as Peter Laviolette.
Under Lindy Ruff, this is what the Dallas Stars' numbers at 5-on-5 looked like. Fastest-paced team in the NHL, they also had a 50-win season in 2015-16. #NJDevils
That said, I can't imagine how you come to choosing him over Lavi/Gallant unless they weren't interested in the job pic.twitter.com/Sq6IC9hHMP
— Alex Chauvancy (@a_chauvancy23) July 8, 2020
Ruff had interviewed for the Sabres head coaching position before they ultimately decided to go with Ralph Krueger. Ruff has made it known that he’s been very interested in a coaching position in Buffalo, and in the NHL, overall.
If Ruff’s tenure in New Jersey doesn’t go well, it could be his last chance. It’s not often coaches are recycled more than three times.
Take two:
If Lindy Ruff gets through seasons with the Devils, he'll likely be top-5 in NHL history in wins.
46 wins behind Al Arbour for 5th.
113 wins behind Ken Hitchcock for 3rd.4 wins ahead of Paul Maurice (who is 6 years younger) pic.twitter.com/1o0khGoaB6
— Joe DiBiase (@SneakyJoeWGR) July 8, 2020
As a Sabres fan, I’m happy to hear this news. Since Ruff was fired by the Sabres in 2013, the team hasn’t made the playoffs, but maybe that’s more on the organization than anything.