Lindy Ruff, Devils Agree to Multiyear Contract Extension Ahead of 2023 NHL Opener

The New Jersey Devils and coach Lindy Ruff agreed to a multi-year extension, the organization announced Wednesday.

"This young, exciting team has developed and thrived under Lindy's stewardship since he joined the Devils organization," Devils managing partner David Blitzer said in a statement. "Lindy is one of the winningest coaches in NHL history and his extension is well deserved. I'm looking forward to continued team success this upcoming season and beyond."

Ruff led the Devils to a 52-22-8 record during the 2022-23 season before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the playoffs. It was New Jersey's first time making it out of the first round in over a decade.

A 22-year veteran of the bench, Ruff is the NHL's winningest active coach (834 wins) and will likely pass Ken Hitchcock this season for fourth on the all-time list. Ruff previously coached the Buffalo Sabres for 15 seasons and then had a four-year stint with the Dallas Stars. His teams have made the playoffs 11 times.

"I'm thrilled to commit here to this situation and couldn't be prouder of the great progress that our group made last season," said Ruff. "We have a special group in Jersey and there's an opportunity to accomplish long-term success, make a lot of positive memories and give our fans a lot to cheer about—because our Devils' fan base is one of the best in the League and they deserve to see a winner."

New Jersey opens its regular season Thursday night hosting the Detroit Red Wings. The Devils were a perfect 7-0 in the preseason, setting the stage for massive expectations in 2023-24.