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Can Lindy Ruff Revive Sabres’ Playoff Hopes?
The Buffalo Sabres entered the 2023-2024 season with hopes of finally ending their playoff drought, but the year ended in disappointment as they finished with just 84 points in the highly competitive Atlantic Division. Missing the playoffs again was a frustrating outcome for a team with potential, but in reality, the Sabres got the results their performance warranted.
One of the biggest concerns throughout the season was their lack of scoring, a significant drop from previous years. Both their even-strength and power play production regressed, and the offensive struggles were a major reason they couldn't keep pace in the standings. The team managed to score 234 goals, but that wasn't enough in a division where other teams set a much higher bar offensively.
The Sabres’ ESBC Power AI metrics confirmed their overall underperformance. The team’s ratings hovered below 50% for the entire season, reflecting their inconsistency across all areas of play. Morale took a further hit after the trade deadline when Buffalo dealt players Kyle Okposo and Casey Mittelstadt. The decision to sell at the deadline rather than push for a playoff spot signaled the team’s realization that they weren’t ready to compete at the top level, and the subsequent dip in morale and performance was evident on the ice.
Coaching Change and Offseason Moves:
Perhaps the most significant move for Buffalo this offseason was the firing of head coach Tony Granato. Granato struggled to get the most out of the Sabres’ roster, and his management of the team’s systems and in-game adjustments left much to be desired. His departure opened the door for the return of a familiar face: veteran coach Lindy Ruff.
Ruff, who enjoyed a successful run with the Sabres in the late 1990s and early 2000s, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the organization. Since his first stint in Buffalo, Ruff has coached in Dallas and New Jersey, proving his ability to adapt and develop young talent. His leadership might be exactly what this young Sabres team needs to take the next step. Ruff’s arrival has injected a sense of optimism into the team, and he is tasked with building a more structured, resilient squad that can compete on a nightly basis.
The offseason also saw several departures, with Jeff Skinner, Victor Olofsson, and Zemgus Girgensons leaving the team. Skinner’s departure, leaves a hole in the scoring department, as he was one of Buffalo’s more productive forwards in recent years. Olofsson’s exit further reduces Buffalo’s offensive depth, especially on the power play, while Girgensons’ loss impacts their defensive reliability among the bottom-six forwards.
To address these departures, the Sabres brought in Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, and Sam Lafferty. Zucker, a proven goal-scorer with a solid two-way game, should help replace some of the lost offensive production. McLeod adds a speedy, versatile forward who can play in various situations, while Lafferty brings physicality and grit to Buffalo’s bottom-six.
Another crucial move came in net, where the Sabres signed veteran goaltender James Reimer from Detroit. Reimer is seen as an insurance policy should highly-touted prospect Devon Levi not be ready to challenge Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for the starting role. With Luukkonen still developing and Levi’s readiness uncertain, Reimer offers the Sabres a steady, experienced hand between the pipes. We are very optimistic about Luukkonen, but it is still a mystery how he will handle the staring role with a new big contract.
One last piece that can be considered still as an upgrade is defenseman Bowen Byram. He came at the trade deadline and gets now to play full season with his new teammates. Byram is a skilled player who was kind of stuck behind other elite defenders in Colorado.
2024-2025 Season Outlook:
Under Lindy Ruff’s guidance, Buffalo has the potential to improve in several areas. The key will be whether Ruff can establish a more disciplined system that better utilizes the young talent on the roster while also addressing the team’s defensive shortcomings. Ruff’s track record of getting the most out of his players, particularly young forwards, should bode well for emerging stars like Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs, who are expected to take on bigger roles this season.
However, despite some encouraging changes, Buffalo’s path to the playoffs is far from guaranteed. The Atlantic Division remains stacked with elite teams like the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, all of whom will make it difficult for the Sabres to break through. The lack of a proven, elite goaltender is another concern, as the tandem of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and James Reimer, while capable, may not be enough to carry the team through the rough patches of the season.
Offensively, the Sabres will need to replace the contributions of Jeff Skinner and Victor Olofsson, and much of that responsibility will fall on newcomers like Jason Zucker. If Buffalo’s power play can regain its form, and young players like Jack Quinn, Dylan Cozens, and J.J. Peterka continue to develop, the Sabres could surprise some teams.
Buffalo begins its 2024-2025 campaign overseas with two “Global Series” matches against the New Jersey Devils in Prague. This international spotlight could provide a unique opportunity for the team to bond and start the season on a positive note, but the real test will come in how they handle the grind of the full NHL schedule.
Conclusion:
The 2024-2025 season is one of cautious optimism for the Buffalo Sabres. Lindy Ruff’s return as head coach, along with some offseason additions, offers hope that the team can improve from their disappointing 2023-2024 campaign. However, with significant roster turnover and some uncertainty in net, the Sabres face a challenging road ahead.
Realistically, the most likely scenario is that Buffalo will narrowly miss the playoffs once again. While there is room for improvement, it may take another year or two before the Sabres are truly ready to contend in the Atlantic Division. For now, fans should focus on the continued development of the team’s young core and hope that Ruff can instill the structure and discipline necessary for future success.
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