New Jersey Devils sign Lindy Ruff to multi-year extension

The New Jersey Devils announced the team re-signed head coach Lindy Ruff to a multi-year contract extension on Wednesday.

Tom Fitzgerald made the announcement in a statement released by the team.

“We’re incredibly fortunate as an organization to have Lindy Ruff behind the bench to guide this group, who’ve made significant strides under his leadership,” said Fitzgerald. “I’ve always believed that Lindy was, and continues to be, the right man behind the bench for this team.

“From the beginning, he’s done a tremendous job piloting our young group, and we’re excited to see this team’s continued success under his watch as we take the next steps,” he continued.

Ruff joined the Devils in 2020-21, and in three seasons has recorded a 98-98-24 record. Last year, the Devils finished second in the Metropolitan division with a 52-22-8 record, defeating the New York Rangers in the first round before being eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes.

“This young, exciting team has developed and thrived under Lindy’s stewardship since he joined the Devils organization,” said Devils’ managing partner David Blitzer. “His extension is well deserved. I’m looking forward to continued team success this upcoming season and beyond.”

The 63-year-old is the active leader for career wins as a head coach with 834, and he sits fifth on the all-time list. He has spent parts of 22 NHL seasons coaching the Buffalo Sabres, the Dallas Stars and the Devils. He led the Sabres to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1999.

Ruff has posted 10 40-plus win seasons, including a career-high 53 wins in 2006-07. In 2006, he won the Jack Adams Award as the top coach in the league.

As a player, Ruff played in 691 career NHL games over 12 seasons between 1979-80 through 1990-91 with the Sabres and Rangers. He recorded 105 goals and 195 assists for 300 points and over 1,200 penalty minutes.