Predicting whether or not Don Granato gets fired after this year

It's no secret the Buffalo Sabres have taken a step back this year. After missing the postseason by one point last year, they are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season amid a tough year.

Back in December, Buffalo hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was a game the team and fans want to forget as the Sabres got blown out 9-4 on home ice to one of the worst teams in the NHL. The performance on the ice was awful but it was what occurred in the stands that started a stir.

I don't know how many fans were saying it, but some unhappy Buffalo supporters said, "Fire Donny". Fast forward to the other night when the Sabres lost to the Ottawa Senators, I was at the game and there were chants of "Fire Donny" once again. Buffalo was losing 5-0 after the first period and alongside the chant, there were tons of boos.

So why am I saying this? There are fans out there who want Granato fired. While personally, I'm starting to lose faith in Donny, I don't think Buffalo is going to fire him. Despite the ugly season, my prediction is they will not let him, not after this year at least.

First of all, the players love Granato. Back in that December blowout against Columbus, the team had Granato's back and there were stories about some players on the team not saluting crowds after wins in response to the backlash on their coach.

Second, he deserves some of the blame but not all of it. At the end of the day, it's the players who determine how the team does. Even though I question some of his decisions, he's not the main reason why Buffalo is about to miss the playoffs once again.

The last reason, he just signed a contract extension recently. Before the start of last season, he signed a two-year extension with Buffalo, locking him up through the 2025-2026 season. I doubt they will fire him even though he received an extension last year.

As I mentioned earlier, I am losing faith in Don. It is unfortunate because I do like him as a coach but things are rough right now. Just like every Sabres fan, I am also very frustrated. While I predicted he won't be fired THIS offseason, I think Buffalo wants to see how next year goes.

Only time will tell but if I had to guess, I think Don will still be the Sabres coach. For now.