Chris Johnston: The Sabres yearly struggles are "a concern at the league level"

[LabattBlue]

5 hours ago, SwampD said:

I just wonder how much (if at all) TP’s influence spills over to coaching. The fact that Ruff answers directly to him is a concern.

Forget about talent on the ice, the biggest gap with the rest of the league might actually be with the talent behind the bench.

Until that gets addressed, I think the Sabres will continue to underperform.

Ruff reports directly to Pegula?

[SwampD]

4 hours ago, LabattBlue said:

Ruff reports directly to Pegula?

That is my understanding. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

[Weave]

8 hours ago, SwampD said:

That is my understanding. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

I assume the flat management structure hasn’t changed.

[Pimlach]

9 hours ago, SwampD said:

That is my understanding. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

Buffalosabres.com does not show actuall reporting structure.  No doubt that Terry hired Lindy so your understanding is probably correct.  
 

It shows Jarmo as Senior Advisor, but to who?  It should be Adams.  

[Carmel Corn]

14 hours ago, LabattBlue said:

Ruff reports directly to Pegula?

 

10 hours ago, SwampD said:

That is my understanding. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

Seems like a logical assumption….since that is how the Bills are supposedly structured (McDermott direct to Pegula).

[That Aud Smell]

1 hour ago, Weave said:

I assume the flat management structure hasn’t changed.

As would I.

I'm sure there are lots of times when Adams is speaking directly to Ruff -- without Pegula's involvement. But I don't view that as a reporting line.

[JP51]

13 minutes ago, That Aud Smell said:

As would I.

I'm sure there are lots of times when Adams is speaking directly to Ruff -- without Pegula's involvement. But I don't view that as a reporting line.

I agree... I also think that the fact there is not a discernable structure and we even have to speculate... (Like Literally, I have no idea what the reporting lines are... but it seems all roads go thru Pegula... ) speaks to the disorganization of the FO... 

[mjd1001]

To me I think it works something like this.. 

Ruff and Adams talk to each other frequently when Terry isn't around. But whenever Terry wants to show up... Then everyone has to talk to him and go through him. 

Ruff May report to Adams, but if Terry gives Lindy a call, then Lindy has to tell Terry everything he wants before Adams hears it.

[Forecheck]

On 7/19/2025 at 7:55 AM, Pimlach said:

One of the best hockey markets in the US is in big trouble and the problem 100% points to one person.  That Shanahan rumor, if true, tells you exactly what the problem is with this team. 

Every off season is the same, we lose better players than we gain.  No players in their prime will come here.  

I could rant about the past 14 years, but it’s useless   I am not attending any hockey game in Buffalo this year for the first time EVER.  

 

Glad to see you’ve joined the club Punch. I’ve been there for 4 or 5 years now. No more tickets. You won’t regret it for a second. 

[JustOutsideChicago]

Rolling it back with the same coaching staff speaks volumes. Or is Adams handcuffed by palm trees and taxes for them too?

[Pimlach]

25 minutes ago, JustOutsideChicago said:

Rolling it back with the same coaching staff speaks volumes. Or is Adams handcuffed by palm trees and taxes for them too?

Adam’s supports Appert.  Terry supports Ruff.  Terry does not like paying people when they are on contract. 
 

Rumor has it they could not land assistant coaches that they wanted.  
 

Edited 5 hours ago by Pimlach

[spndnchz]

Meh