The Buffalo Sabres had a promising season last year, finishing just one point outside of the playoff positions. However, things haven’t gone to plan this year.
The team announced that they decided to fire head coach Don Granato following a disappointing campaign. Granato, 56, was named the team’s head coach before the 2021-22 season. Granato had previously worked as interim coach and assistant coach since he joined Buffalo in 2019. The Sabres never made the postseason under Granato, finishing with a record of 122-125-127 across parts of the past four seasons.
It has been a long struggle for the Sabres in general. They are currently experiencing the longest playoff drought in the NHL, having not made the postseason in 13 years. They have also had seven different coaches during that time, as they strive to achieve some success for their long suffering fans.
Assistant cGoach Jason Christie and video co-ordinator Matt Smith have also been dismissed along with Granato. The Sabres finished sixth in the Atlantic Division with a final record of 39-37-6 for 84 points. It was a regression from last year, when they finished just a single point behind the Florida Panthers and almost earned a wild-card spot.
Potential New Sabres Coaching
If Buffalo want to opt for a steady, experienced hand to take things forward, there are plenty of options out there. A total of eight coaches have now been fired this season, so let’s take a look at the best potential fits for the Sabres coaching gig.
Dave Evason
Evason has been with the Minnesota Wilds organization for parts of the last five seasons before being axed on November 27. He is a reputation as being somewhat of a disciplinarian but doesn’t go overboard. Firm but fair is his mantra. He posted a fairly impressive 147-77-27 record with Minnesota considering that club has a lot of salary cap issues and no true elite players on the roster. Evason always has high standards and is not afraid of aiming high.
Craig Berube
Berube was the coach of the St. Louis Blues for the past six seasons before being dismissed on December 13. He will forever be etched into Blues folklore by turning a losing team who were last in the standings to lifting the Stanley Cup in 2018-19. During his tenure, he posted a 206-132-44 record. He runs a specific system and excels at getting the most out of his players to fit into that system. There is definitely talent on the Sabres roster that could excel under Berube.
Gerard Gallant
Gallant is a highly respected coach who has served time leading the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers over the last 10 years. Gallant was the coach during the Las Vegas’ memorable run to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season. He is a highly astute coach and is perhaps more personable than Evason and Berube. He likes to really bond with his players and loves giving opportunities to younger players.
