Sabres’ Promotion of Appert Shows Potential Blueprint

BY Nate Moser

The Buffalo Sabres recently announced Lindy Ruff was returning as head coach of the club after last behind the bench for them during the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season. Now, Ruff’s coaching staff has been revealed. The organization announced that Rochester Americans head coach Seth Appert will be promoted to a Sabres assistant coach for next season. Matt Ellis and Marty Wilford, part of Don Granato’s staff last season, will also return as assistants along with goalie coach Mike Bales. Amir Gulati was also promoted to video coordinator.

It is very apparent that the Sabres view Appert as a key figure in the organization’s structure moving forward. He had previously been head coach for the Americans for four seasons. During that span of time, Rochester made the AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs three straight years in a row. Appert also has a track record of developing talent during his time down there, coaching eventual Sabres regulars in Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen among others. He recently has been helping develop some of the potential future talents in Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, and Devon Levi.

As much as it will be beneficial to reunite Appert to some of his former players he coached down in Rochester, I think there is more to this promotion, as many have already pointed out. Ruff’s contract with the Sabres is for two years. It is very possible that Ruff could get an extension if both sides are happy with the team direction and Ruff also wants to continue to coach. Whenever Ruff does step away from the Sabres bench though, it is very possible Appert becomes his successor. Ruff can show Appert the ropes for a couple seasons in the NHL in order to get him comfortable. He will get to know the locker room players better than he did previously and build relationships and trust. Ruff will essentially mentor him, and when the time comes, Appert can take the reins.

Now, this of course, is all reliant on whether the Sabres take the next step under Ruff. This can be the blueprint by Ruff and general manager Kevyn Adams, but if any progress fails to be made in a certain amount of time, it is very possible the Sabres management does not make it to an Appert coaching stint. Adams and Ruff could both be out. Much needs to transpire though. This can be a potentially great move having Appert gain some NHL coaching experience under the winningest coach in Sabres history, or it could create no results and the postseason drought will continue to grow in number. For the sake of this management group, hopefully it is the former.