Last season, the Buffalo Sabres were on the cusp of playoffs, but this season, they experienced a decline, prompting the dismissal of coach Don Granato. Now, the team has a plethora of options to consider for his replacement.
If Buffalo aims to bring in an experienced successor for Granato, numerous candidates are available. Granato marks the eighth coach to be relieved of duties this season, joining the ranks of Jay Woodcroft in Edmonton, Dean Evason in Minnesota, Craig Berube in St. Louis, D.J. Smith in Ottawa, Lane Lambert with the New York Islanders, Todd McLellan in Los Angeles, and Ruff in New Jersey.
Among these candidates, Craig Berube, Dean Evason, and Gerard Gallant stand out due to their compatible coaching styles.
Craig Berube
Aged 58, served as the head coach for the St. Louis Blues for the past six seasons before his termination on Dec. 13. He notably led the Blues from the bottom of the standings to a Stanley Cup victory in the 2018-19 season. With a track record of demanding excellence and pushing players to adhere to his system, Berube could rejuvenate players like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Jeff Skinner, who faltered this season under Granato’s guidance.
Dean Evason
Aged 59, held the helm for the Minnesota Wild for parts of the last five seasons until his dismissal on Nov. 27. Known for his firm yet fair approach, Evason boasts an impressive record of 147-77-27 with Minnesota, despite the team’s financial constraints and absence of superstar players. His unwavering standards could be precisely what the Sabres need to regain their footing and aim for playoff contention once again.
Gerard Gallant
Aged 60, brings a wealth of experience, having coached the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers over the past decade. Gallant steered the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup final during their inaugural season, showcasing his tactical prowess. Unlike Berube and Evason, Gallant is perceived as more of a players’ coach, offering younger players opportunities to learn and grow, albeit with expectations of accountability.
Alternatively, should Buffalo opt for a less conventional approach, promising candidates such as David Carle (from Denver, NCAA), Karl Taylor (from Milwaukee, AHL), and Jay Leach (from Providence, AHL) offer high potential for success.
