They promoted a coach who knows the team well
While Seth Appert doesn’t have much NHL coaching experience, highlighted with a pair of games when he filled in for Don Granato last season, the Sabres made a fine move when they promoted the 49-year-old to an assistant. Even when they go out and make additions this summer, which should be the most drastic during Kevyn Adams’ tenure, they will remain predominantly a young team.
And Appert has spent a lot of time coaching those players like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Mattias Samuelsson, Peyton Krebs, Jack Quinn, and JJ Peterka, among others. Appert’s presence gives the Sabres a sense of continuity even with Don Granato gone, and he may be the first choice to become Lindy Ruff’s successor when the 64-year-old’s coaching days ultimately end.
Plus, Appert already showed his worth by developing all of the above players and countless others, from college hockey players and minor leaguers, onto NHL rosters. On the surface, you may say it would put him on the same level as Don Granato, and you’re not wrong. But under a mentor like Ruff, Appert will grow into something more.
Overall, Appert’s promotion, in foresight, gives the Sabres a sound system with a proven veteran leading the way for at least a couple of seasons before relinquishing duties to another familiar name.