The New Jersey Devils have fired head coach Lindy Ruff, per Mike Morreale of NHL.com. Travis Green will step up as interim head coach. Green has served as an Associate Coach in New Jersey this season – his first coaching gig since being relieved from a five-year stint as the Vancouver Canucks head coach in 2021-22.
Ruff has been with the Devils since the 2020-21 season, relieving Alain Nasreddine from his 43-game stint following John Hynes’ departure. He led the Devils to their highest point total in club history last season, earning 112 points and New Jersey’s second playoff berth of the last decade. But the Devils didn’t make much come from the historic season, getting booted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. They’ve struggled to get their prowess back this year, falling to a 30-27-4 record largely thanks to their long list of injuries – including Dougie Hamilton, whose season was cut short by a torn pectoral in November and stars Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, who have played in just 45 and 50 games respectively.
Their circumstance would be challenging for any team to handle, though Ruff’s lineup choices have been called into question many times. His use of young forward Alexander Holtz has been particularly divisive, with Holtz averaging just over 11-and-a-half minutes and minimal power-play time despite scoring 13 goals and 24 points. Holtz has expressed frustrations with his role, telling NJ.com’s Ryan Novozinsky, “I don’t know, it’s hard to say… Some games I don’t play that much. I’m just trying to focus to get better every day and show them I’m able to play more.”
Holtz will now be commanded by Green, who had plenty of experience bringing up young players in Vancouver – serving as the head coach for Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes in their rookie seasons. Green totaled a measly .462 win percentage across his five years in Vancouver, though he did lead the team to the second round of the playoffs in the 2019-20 season. The Canucks were Green’s first NHL coaching role, coming after he served four years as head coach for the AHL’s Utica Comets. He now steps into a new role with experience in hand, and may even have a chance to secure the job with the Devils on the cusp of the playoff race.
Seems Andrew Burnette was the brains behind the Devils success last season afterall.
Find me a good coach with dreadful goaltending… I’ll wait.
Was their goaltending great last year? Better, but certainly not the primary reason for their success.
It’s ridiculous to blame Lindy. Did he all of a sudden become a worse coach than Travis Green is?
There are goalies out there and Fitzgerald is too stubborn to pay up for one. League average goaltending has them in the playoffs.
Couldn’t disagree more. The goalie struggles are systemic. Highly related to the style of defence and use of players. Also lack of offense due to how ruff used players like meier, Holtz, mercer etc. Just watch them play – they are underperforming across the board.
You’re right, 2 rookie goalies is systemic.
I’m sure you were in the ‘Devon Levi is going to turn around the Sabres’ camp
They ran two rookie goalies when the starter was injured. I don’t follow the Sabres so wouldn’t comment on Levi. I just watch the Devils regularly making poor coaching choices with high quality players. For me, it’s not the standings – that’s on injuries. The decisions made have exacerbated the issues by double.
It’s about time. What took so long…
Set the franchise record for points last year.
Bring in Jim Benning and let all the fun begin!
I would give this 1000 likes if I could
Babcock would love to see some family photos
And yet Granato has his job still in Buffalo!!!!
I like Granato, it’s been a strage season for the Sabres though
They can beat tough teams, but go on a liosing streak against losing teams
Six a one, Half dozen of the other!
That’s a a Ruff way to go out, and it’s not easy being Green.
Coach Q this summer! With Burnett as his sidekick!
W is done. No one is hiring him. I don’t think he’s eligible anyways.
Please trade for Mike Sullivan. Great coach. Well respected. Needs a change of scenery.
Yes, please do. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what makes him a great coach in today’s NHL.
2 Stanley Cups. Or don’t you like those?
Today’s NHL. Not 2017. Or don’t you comprehend the difference?
Sorry there, rear admiral. Please enlighten us as to the differences.
FINALLY THE RUFF HAS GONE BACK TO RE-TIREMENT
Carol Burnett?
No goale, injuries, loss of defense, gm should be gone too
#ReleaseTheHoltz!
But seriously.. I’m excited to see what he can do without the shackles on him. Kid has a helluva shot. Same Goals/60 rate as Bratt this year!
Lindy would’ve had to put the pillows on himself to save his job.
Poor goaltending gets the coach fired every time.
I think Mr Hamilton is old enough now that we can just call him Doug
What are Jersey fan’s thoughts on Rikard Gronborg being given the head coach opportunity next season?? I heard a rumor that the Devils were interested in him before going with Ruff. I have no idea Gronborg’s availability, but remember thinking it would be cool if Seattle gave him a shot. It’s time to give European coaches more of a shot, IMO.