The New Jersey Devils have hired former Rochester Americans head coach Chris Taylor as an assistant on Lindy Ruff’s staff, the team announced today.
Taylor played for Ruff over parts of four seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. Ruff, who was hired by New Jersey on July 9, also added Dave Rogalski as goalie coach to complete his staff.
Ruff named Mark Recchi and Alain Nasreddine his first assistants in September.
New Buffalo general manager Kevyn Adams fired Taylor, 48, and his staff June 16, hours after the Sabres axed GM Jason Botterill. Taylor spent three years leading the Amerks, helping the Sabres’ top affiliate reestablish itself as an AHL heavyweight while developing prospects for Buffalo.
Taylor also spent seven weeks as an interim assistant coach in Buffalo early last season as Don Granato recovered from pneumonia.
Taylor had been a member of the Amerks for 17 of the last 21 seasons as either a player, assistant coach or head coach. The Amerks Hall of Famer compiled a terrific 116-65-33 record as head coach, posting winning records every season.
The Amerks had positioned themselves for their third straight playoff appearance when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the AHL to cancel the rest of the season.
Taylor played 90 of his 149 NHL games with the Sabres. He had spent his entire coaching career in the AHL before earning his promotion to Buffalo last season.
Ruff coached the Sabres from 1997-98 until he was fired early in 2012-13.
Sabres blew it again. This guy should have been (and will be soon) coaching in the NHL. Just another slick move by the waitress that will bite this team in the ass.