Former Oilers Coach Should Be Top Sabres Candidate

EDMONTON — While the Edmonton Oilers are two games away from finishing their season, some teams are done.

The Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres have all played 82 games. The Sabres ended their season on a high note – even if the year as a whole left much to be desired.

They finished off their year with a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning – but end the season out of the playoff picture. Their 39-37-6 record left them with 84 points on the season. This was a seven point decline from the previous season, where they finished with a 42-33-7 record.

As a result of this, they have decided to make a coaching change. Just this morning they made the announcement.

Don Granato, Jason Christie and Matt Smith are out. Now that the formality of the regular season is in the rearview mirror, they can begin the process of searching for a new bench boss.

One former Oilers head coach should rise to the top of their list as a potential candidate. Jay Woodcroft would be a tremendous asset for a team like the Sabres.

Jay Woodcroft. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Woodcroft has worked with young talent – both in Edmonton and their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. While Woodcroft has been rumored to be of interest to a couple of teams, he could really do damage with the highly skilled roster that the Sabres have.

He has coached 133 games with a record of 79-41-13. That gives Woodcroft a 59% winning percentage over his (short) career. He bore the brunt of a team that had poor goaltending and poor finishing to start the season.

Despite the Oilers 3-9-1 record with him at the helm earlier this season, that should not deter any team – especially the Sabres – from giving him an opportunity.

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