The Buffalo Sabres have made the decision to part ways with head coach Don Granato, marking the seventh coaching change during the team's NHL-record 13-season playoff drought. The announcement came following the Sabres' final game of the season, where they secured a 4-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, finishing with a 39-37-6 record and missing out on playoff contention.
Granato, who took over as head coach on an interim basis during the 2021 season, had completed his third full season with the team. Despite having two seasons remaining on his contract, the Sabres' management felt it was necessary to move in a different direction at this point in time. Granato leaves with a record of 122-125-27 in Buffalo.
General manager Kevyn Adams expressed gratitude towards Granato for his contributions to the organization, acknowledging his role in player development. However, Adams emphasized the need to strive for consistent contention, a goal that has not been met.
In addition to Granato, assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith were also relieved of their duties. The Sabres' season was marred by injuries, goaltending inconsistencies, and a shift in coaching philosophy towards a more defensive style, which did not yield the desired results.
The team's struggles were evident in their inability to overcome slow starts, with poor performances in the first period contributing significantly to their downfall. Despite high expectations at the beginning of the season, the Sabres failed to replicate their previous success and fell short of playoff qualification.
With Granato's departure, the Sabres are now faced with the task of finding a new head coach. Potential candidates include former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube, Sabres minor-league coach Seth Appert, and former Sabres captain Michael Peca.
The Sabres' decision to part ways with Granato reflects their commitment to seeking improvement and returning to a competitive position in the NHL. As the team embarks on another coaching search, the focus remains on building a roster capable of sustained success in the future.
