The Sabres’ rollercoaster season took another turn as coach Don Granato was axed just seven months after the team"s GM declared their competitive window open. With Granato"s departure, the Sabres set out on their eighth coaching search in a mere 12 years, aiming for someone with NHL experience to whip their underperforming team into shape and hopefully break their 13-season playoff drought.
General Manager Kevyn Adams voiced his frustration, emphasizing the urgency for the team to step up and deliver individual and collective results. Despite acknowledging Granato"s role in nurturing the young core of players, Adams stressed the need for a seasoned voice behind the bench to lead the team forward.
The Buffalo Sabres have fired head coach Don Granato.
Buffalo has failed to qualify for the playoffs since 2011, with Granato serving as the coach the past 3 seasons. pic.twitter.com/GzrGPUnMNK
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 16, 2024
Granato"s dismissal came swiftly after the Sabres wrapped up their season with a win against Tampa Bay. They ended up with a lukewarm record and missed out on playoff contention. Granato, a first-time NHL head coach, had taken the reins on an interim basis during the pandemic-shortened 2021 season but ultimately fell short of expectations.
In addition to Granato, assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith were let go. Potential replacements with NHL experience include Craig Berube, Gerard Gallant, and Bruce Boudreau, with Adams keeping his cards close to his chest regarding specific names.
The Sabres" season was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and strategic shifts. Defensive play took precedence over the free-flowing style that had characterized previous seasons. Despite efforts to shore up defensively, Buffalo struggled to find footing, particularly in the crucial first-period games.
Granato, who remained focused on the team"s improvement throughout the season, declined to comment on his future following the final game, reaffirming his commitment to the franchise"s growth.
With the coaching carousel spinning once again in Buffalo, the Sabres must regroup, find their stride, and end their prolonged playoff drought.
