Head coach Don Granato officially fired by the Buffalo Sabres
Photo credit: Buffalo News
The Buffalo Sabres have fired head coach Don Granato following another season without making the playoffs.
Along with Granato, assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith have also been let go by the Sabres.
The Buffalo Sabres have gone through seven coaches since their last Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance 13 years ago: Lindy Ruff, Ron Rolston, Ted Nolan, Dan Bylsma, Phil Housley, Ralph Krueger, and now Granato. Granato's firing stings even more considering he signed a multi-year contract extension in 2022.
The Sabres finished this season with a disappointing 39-37-6 record, especially considering their promising outlook. Players like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin were expected to lead a playoff push, supported by emerging talents like Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, and Owen Powers. However, Thompson's performance declined, and the team as a whole struggled to maintain momentum.
The Buffalo Sabres today announced that they have relieved head coach Don Granato, assistant coach Jason Christie, and video coordinator Matt Smith of their duties.
«I would like to thank Don for his time in Buffalo and commitment to the Sabres organization,» said General Manager Kevyn Adams. «He has been integral in the development of many of our players and has undoubtedly been the right coach to bring us to where we are now, but I felt it was necessary to move in a different direction at this point in time. My expectation is to be a consistent contender and unfortunately that goal has not been met.»
«I would also like to thank Jason and Matt for their contributions to the team. This is not a decision I take lightly but know it is in the best interest of our team moving forward.»
Adams will address the media today at 3 p.m. to discuss the decision.
«I would like to thank Don for his time in Buffalo and commitment to the Sabres organization,» said General Manager Kevyn Adams. «He has been integral in the development of many of our players and has undoubtedly been the right coach to bring us to where we are now, but I felt it was necessary to move in a different direction at this point in time. My expectation is to be a consistent contender and unfortunately that goal has not been met.»
«I would also like to thank Jason and Matt for their contributions to the team. This is not a decision I take lightly but know it is in the best interest of our team moving forward.»
Adams will address the media today at 3 p.m. to discuss the decision.
This move signals the start of significant changes for the Sabres after another disappointing season and over a decade without playoff appearances. With talented players like their two first overall picks on defense and recent acquisition Bowen Byram, big changes are expected in Buffalo.
Do you think this was the right move?
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AVRIL 16 | 181 ANSWERS Head coach Don Granato officially fired by the Buffalo Sabres Do you think this is the right move for the Buffalo Sabres firing head coach Don Granato? | ||
| Yes | 141 | 77.9 % |
| No | 40 | 22.1 % |
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