A whole lot of issues wanted to alter for the Buffalo Sabres after the top of the 2023-24 season. Lacking the playoffs for the 13th season (and counting) is clearly a disappointment, however it felt as if the franchise was clearly lacking one thing below former head coach Don Granato.
The Sabres nonetheless have their weaknesses to handle, however issues are already altering below new head coach Lindy Ruff. Practices have seemingly taken on a brand new degree of effort and depth, one thing that had seemingly been lacking below the earlier regime.
A Complete New Stage
Ahead Alex Tuch made point out of a urgent subject again in April. He stated that they wanted a coach who was going to push them, maintain them accountable, and be sure that they have been acting at their greatest – or not performing in any respect. Ruff appears to already be checking these bins.
“The deal with at the moment was excessive compete…there was a pair drills that pushed them to the restrict.”
Lindy Ruff’s first apply in Buffalo was a tricky one👀 pic.twitter.com/suZmIMrkuQ
— Sara Holland (@SaraaHolland) September 18, 2024
Tuch and the remainder of the Sabres are already feeling the consequences of what Ruff brings to the desk. “I appeared up on the clock halfway by means of and thought to myself that is going to be a protracted day,” Tuch stated to the media following apply.
“And you then get that second half and also you’re beginning to really feel it, everybody’s beginning to transfer…guys have been competing a bit bit extra,” Tuch continued. Depth goes to be a theme for the Sabres as they gear as much as head to Europe in lower than every week.
Early Physicality
Peyton Krebs, recent off being signed to a brand new contract, set the tone early by being bodily. He handed out the primary test of camp, catching Tage Thompson alongside the boards. It resulted within the Sabres’ prime scorer being hunched over and discovering his approach to the bench.
Associated: Buffalo Sabres 2024-25 Participant Projections: Tage Thompson
Thompson returned to drills however was visibly hunched between reps. It’s laborious to inform if he was feeling one thing from the hit or simply struggling to maintain up. Different gamers have been noticeably hunched over after drills as effectively due to the depth that Ruff brings to the rink.
Thompson stated the hit was wonderful and that the group wants physicality, shaking it off when requested. Krebs has loads to show after inking a two-year, $2.9 million contract late within the offseason.
Kulich Probably Sticking Round
Maybe the most important information from the primary coaching camp session got here from the highest group of forwards. Jiri Kulich donned a blue jersey, skating with the highest six. It’s value noting that the primary recreation of the season for the Sabres is in Czechia, Kulich’s dwelling nation, however there’s extra at stake right here.
Kulich rotated with Zach Benson on the second line alongside Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn. It’s anticipated that Kulich, who possesses a lethal shot, will see a while on the facility play as effectively. Relying on how the 2 of them play, it’s completely doable that somebody like Jordan Greenway could possibly be got rid of the third line.
In actuality, that is probably a transfer with the longer term in thoughts. Jason Zucker is on a one-year deal, so this could possibly be an opportunity for Benson and Kulich to garner extra reps earlier than sliding right into a full-time function when the veteran departs.
All in all, the Sabres should really feel fairly good concerning the first day of camp. It’s clear that the environment has modified below Ruff. The group is predicted to get probably the most out of every participant and there ought to by no means be a query of effort and depth with the veteran coach behind the bench.
