Lindy Ruff Returns as Sabres Head Coach 15 Years Later

The former coach who led the team to their last playoff appearance is back to guide the Sabres' return to the postseason.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, royal blue, and white, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.Ruff's return to the Sabres bench could signal a new era of success for the long-struggling franchise.Buffalo Today

Lindy Ruff, who was the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres the last time they made the playoffs in 2011, has returned to the team 15 years later to lead them back to the postseason. The Sabres have not played a playoff game since April 2011, but with Ruff back at the helm, they are poised to end their long drought.

Why it matters

Ruff's return to the Sabres represents a chance for the franchise and its long-suffering fans to recapture the success of the past. As the coach who led the team to their last playoff berth, Ruff's experience and familiarity with the organization could be key in guiding the Sabres back to the postseason after over a decade of futility.

The details

Lindy Ruff served as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres from 1997 to 2013, leading the team to the playoffs on six occasions. His last playoff appearance with the Sabres came in 2011, but the team has failed to return to the postseason in the 15 years since. Now, Ruff has been brought back to the organization in the hopes of recapturing that past success and ending the Sabres' lengthy playoff drought.

  • Lindy Ruff was the Sabres' head coach from 1997 to 2013.
  • The Sabres last made the playoffs in April 2011 under Ruff's leadership.
  • The Sabres have not played a postseason game since April 2011, a 15-year drought.
  • Ruff has now returned to the Sabres organization in 2026 to lead the team back to the playoffs.

The players

Lindy Ruff

The former head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, who led the team to the playoffs six times during his tenure from 1997 to 2013, including their last playoff appearance in 2011.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a long time coming, but I'm excited to be back and help this team reach the playoffs again. The Sabres and their fans deserve that success.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres

What’s next

The Sabres will look to build on Ruff's return and end their 15-year playoff drought as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Lindy Ruff's return as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres represents a chance for the franchise to recapture past glory and end their lengthy playoff drought. His experience and familiarity with the organization could be crucial in guiding the team back to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.