New Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said he's enjoyed his interactions with head coach Lindy Ruff since joining the organization but refused to confirm the franchise legend will continue to lead the coaching staff for the long haul.
"We're going to evaluate everything moving forward, whether it's coaching staff, management, coaches, everybody is under evaluation at this point," Kekalainen told reporters during his introductory press conference Tuesday.
Michael Traikos of The Hockey News believes the Sabres GM, who previously held the same role with the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 through 2024, should make an urgent push to bring in longtime NHL head coach Peter DeBoer, who most recently guided the Dallas Stars' staff.
"Nothing against Ruff, who was the last Sabres coach to lead the team into the playoffs way back in 2011, but if Kekalainen hasn't already called Peter DeBoer to gauge his interest in coming to Buffalo, then he better do it fast," Traikos wrote. "There might not be another coach out there who is more qualified — and with the way the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing these days, DeBoer might not be around for long."
Along with the Stars, DeBoer also served as head coach for the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights. He's compiled a 662-447-152 record (.585 points percentage) and led two teams (the 2011-12 Devils and 2015-16 Sharks) to the Stanley Cup Final.
Firing Lindy Ruff and hiring Peter DeBoer would be a massive immediate statement from Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen
Kekalainen was never afraid to make a splash during his time in Columbus. In turn, it wouldn't be a shock for him to make a quick, notable change in an effort to showcase he's going to pull out all the stops to turn things around in Buffalo.
Ruff is beloved in Western New York. He spent the first 10 seasons of his NHL player career donning the Blue and Gold, and his first stint behind the team's bench was highlighted by some of the most memorable moments in franchise history, including a trip to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final.
His legacy is secured, and Sabres fans aren't going to hold the lack of success throughout his second tenure against him if Kekalainen goes in a different direction.
Ruff inherited a club rapidly moving in the wrong direction after missing the playoffs by one point in 2022-23, and he was saddled with an underwhelming group of assistants who probably should have been let go alongside Don Granato.
In other words, while Sabres fans have a special place in their heart for Ruff, moving in an entirely new direction would be understandable at this point of transition.
Enter DeBoer.
The 57-year-old Canadian coach was dismissed by the Stars after last season despite three straight appearances in the Western Conference Finals, though Dallas fell short each time.
His teams have reached the postseason in nine of his last 11 years behind the bench, and one of the squads that fell short (the 2021-22 Golden Knights) still racked up 94 points.
DeBoer typically builds his system around a high-octane style of play that asks for a lot of effort from his players to create a strong forecheck.
It'd foster an environment of a much higher compete level from the Sabres, who've struggled in that area in recent seasons, and it'd help weed out players who didn't meet the standard. That alone would be a major step in the right direction for Buffalo.
Meanwhile, if Kekalainen did hire DeBoer, or any other coach for that matter, the expectation would be giving them the right to hire their own assistants. Getting some fresh ideas, especially in terms of the power play, is sorely needed for the Blue and Gold.
It's unclear whether Buffalo's new general manager will make a coaching change in the imminent future, or if he'll potentially wait to see if the Sabres can continue their recent momentum under Ruff (a modest three-game winning streak) before considering a change.
Regardless, it probably won't be long before Kekalainen puts his stamp on the organization, whether through a coaching change or trade to shake up the roster.