Insider Floats Controversial Coaching Reunion with Kekalainen Reunion Buffalo

Given that background, it’s no surprise that people around the hockey world have started connecting the dots about a potential reunion in Buffalo, and insider Jeff Marek believes it’s a very real possibility, which he discussed on Daily Faceoff Live on Tuesday.

Marek said:

“The minute that he wouldn’t commit to Lindy Ruff, I think we all, all of our antennas went up. And this, let’s not forget too, this is after Jarmo Kekalainen went out the door and around the block and talked about character and work ethic. Now, when I say oh we need someone in here that will up the work ethic, that puts a premium not just on skill; we have skill, but we’re getting outworked, we need someone here to crack the whip. Maybe a former assistant coach of the Buffalo Sabres in years gone past who might have an association through Columbus with the new general manager, uh, the evidence here doesn’t look good for Lindy Ruff,”

The 67-year-old Tortorella was relieved of his duties in Philadelphia 73 games into the 2024-25 season following a 7-2 loss in Toronto to the Maple Leafs. He, of course, went on to say he’s not really interested in learning how to coach in this type of season (AKA a rebuild), which sealed his fate with the Flyers.

That comment could complicate the idea of him taking over in Buffalo, though, as much as they’ve struggled in recent years, the Sabres have plenty of talent that should be ready to win and compete for the playoffs much sooner than later. Perhaps Tortorella is the guy to push the right buttons and get the best out of that talent, in turn, snapping their lengthy 14-year playoff drought.