Report: Lindy Ruff potential candidate for NJ Devils head coaching vacancy

Anthony Scultore Updated: Jun 23, 2020

Lindy Ruff is currently an assistant coach for the New York Rangers as they prepare to face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the qualifying round. One team that will not be in the 24 team return to play plan are the NJ Devils who are in the market for a head coach. Former Rangers player and Islanders head coach Peter Laviolette is the lead candidate to land the job, but Ruff’s name has been added to the mix.

NJ Devils Coaching Candidates

According to Elliotte Friedman, aside from the aforementioned Laviolette and Ruff there are several others in the mix. John Stevens, Gerard Gallant and Alain Nasreddine are all up for the job.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1275486242176720898?s=20

Lindy Ruff wants to be a head coach again

Lindy Ruff is beloved and still considered the best head coach the Sabres have had. Last June, Ruff spoke with a Buffalo news station and told them “the fire still burns” and he wants to be a head coach again.

This season we know that he received permission to interview for the Sabres coaching job. He ultimately didn’t get it and will look again once the Stanley Cup is awarded. The Rangers would need to grant permission for Ruff to speak with NJ but it is unlikely they would deny him. Also, if he were chosen the Devils wouldn’t make it the official announcement while the Rangers are playing.