Ruff was a named a Jack Adams Award finalist at the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.
NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils head coach Lindy Ruff has signed a multi-year contract extension. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald announced on the eve of the club's 2023-24 season opener.
"We're incredibly fortunate as an organization to have Lindy Ruff behind the bench to guide this group, who've made significant strides under his leadership," said Fitzgerald in the press release. "I've always believed that Lindy was, and continues to be, the right man behind the bench for this team. From the beginning, he's done a tremendous job piloting our young group, and we're excited to see this team's continued success under his watch as we take the next steps."
Ruff was hired as New Jersey's 19th head coach on July 9, 2020. The veteran bench boss has a 98-98-24 regular season record and most recently led his team to a franchise record of 52 wins and 112 points. He finished second in Jack Adams Award voting, given to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success. It was the fourth time Ruff was named a finalist.
The terms of Ruff's extension were not disclosed in the press release, and after the team's practice, the 63-year-old said, "I don't really get into detail when it comes to dealing with my contract" when asked if he could reveal how many years he is now under contract for.
Ruff has spent parts of 22 NHL seasons behind the bench with the Buffalo Sabres (1997-98 to 2012-13), Dallas Stars (2013-14 to 2016-17) and New Jersey. He is 15 wins behind Ken Hitchcock (849) for fourth all-time and is one of six NHL coaches with at least 800 career wins.
"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 in the press release. "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."
After the team's Wednesday morning practice, the players on the ice acknowledged their head coach's extension with stick taps.
The Devils will kick off the 2023-24 season by hosting the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at Prudential Center. The game can be viewed on ESPN+ and Hulu when the puck drops at 7:30 P.M.