Rangers and Lindy Ruff likely to part ways
Lindy Ruff is actively looking for a new head coaching position. It was recently reported that Ruff asked for permission to interview for the vacant head coaching position in Buffalo.
The belief around the Rangers last season was that Lindy Ruff would provide a bridge for David Quinn and his staff as they transitioned to the NHL. Former Ranger, David Oliver was responsible for the forwards, while Ruff handled the defense. However, the man Quinn brought in from Boston College, Greg Brown should be moving from his perch at the Garden to the bench next season.
Brown had a solid pro career as defenseman and was a teammate of both Brian Leetch and Mike Richter in the 1988 Olympics. He also played 4 seasons in the NHL to go along with his college and international career that spanned 20 years.
Before joining the Rangers staff, Brown was an assistant with Boston College and was responsible for the defense. While there, BC won the NCAA title 3 times and he coached both Chris Kreider and former Ranger, Kevin Hayes. Also notable is the fact he coached Brady Skjei at the 2014 WJC and Rangers promising prospect Ryan Lindgren at the 2017 & 2018 WJC.
Coming into this season, the Rangers need to move on with Greg Brown controlling the blue-line. That means taking Lindy Ruff from behind the bench to the perch at the Garden that Brown resided in last year. That is of course assuming Ruff stays on for next season should he fail to land a new coaching gig by then.
What is now obvious with the news that Ruff requested and was given permission to interview for the Sabres job is that both sides are ready to move on.
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