BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - The Buffalo Sabres signed long-time coach Lindy Ruff to a multiyear contract extension on Friday.
Ruff, who declined an offer to have his contract extended by Tom Golisano before the former owner sold the team to Pennsylvania billionaire Terry Pegula in February, is the winningest coach in team history after being hired by current general manager Darcy Regier before the 1997-98 season.
He coached in his 1,000th career NHL game and 100th career postseason game this season, all coming with the Sabres.
There have been 162 coaching changes in the NHL since Ruff took over 14 years ago. He is the third-longest tenured coach in the four major professional sports leagues, behind only Tony LaRussa (St. Louis Cardinals) and Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs).