Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – As Alex Tuch was speaking on Wednesday during locker room clean out day, he was asked about a couple of available coaches that could be in the running to take over behind the bench for Don Granato.
When Tuch was a kid in Syracuse cheering for the Sabres, Lindy Ruff was the head coach in Buffalo. When Tuch was asked if he would like to play for Ruff, that put a big smile on his face.
"I think I’ve watched Lindy coach as many games as I’ve played," joked Tuch during his end-of-season meeting with the media. "He was my favorite coach growing up. That was the team I watched, and sat on the couch and watched with my dad. To see what he was able to do with those teams was really cool.
"I actually got a chance to meet him for the first time this year, and Lindy’s a great coach. I’ve always been a huge fan of his, and that would be pretty cool."
In Tuch's first two-and-a-half seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, Gerard Gallant was his head coach. In that time, Vegas went 51-24-7, 43-32-7 and 24-19-6 under Gallant's tutelage.
"He was an unbelievable coach. I loved him," Tuch said.
"He brings a lot of fire power and energy with him. He was great for me. He held me accountable as a rookie, and I wouldn’t be the player I am without him."
Overall, Tuch says he would be very happy with either Ruff or Gallant as the new head coach in Buffalo.
Tuch was not surprised Granato got fired, because he knows what happens in this business when you don’t have success.
Tuch gave Granato credit for making him a better hockey player, but says they need more.
"'Donny' did a good job of developing a lot of guys in this room, myself included, in helping our games. But our next coach will be one that holds us accountable, and one that makes sure we’re performing to our best or you’re not going to perform at all. I’m excited for that," Tuch said.
Tuch also is making sure the players know that it wasn’t all on Granato.
"I hope they realize that a lot of it is on us, and we’re one of the reasons why he’s not coaching behind our bench anymore. You have to realize that," he said.
With the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin on Saturday, Tuch admits it’ll be hard for him to watch the playoffs.
"I hate every team that’s in the playoffs right now," Tuch said. "I’m jealous, I’m envious. I wish I was there instead of them. I’m going to work that much harder to make sure that I’m helping our team."
Tuch is the type of player that’s a self-motivator, but he’s still going to use this failure to make himself better.
"It’s going to drive me each and every day. Every time I’m in the gym, it’s going to be stuck in the back of my mind," Tuch said. "This offseason, I’m going to attack it like I’ve never attacked it before. I’m going to try to push myself to limits that I’ve never even come close to."
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Tuch is an absolute leader on this team, and many fans believe he should be the next captain. He said that’s not necessary for him.
"I don’t care if I’m wearing a letter. I think in this locker room, my teammates see me as a leader, and that’s all I care about is being able to be the best that I am," Tuch noted.
"I think I bring some experience to the table that will help our team win."
Many Sabres will be participating in the upcoming World Championship in Czechia. Owen Power, Bo Byram and Dylan Cozens will play for Team Canada, Rasmus Dahlin will play for Team Sweden and JJ Peterka will play, once again, for Team Germany.
Canada wants Peyton Krebs, but he has an expiring contract, as are Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Henri Jokiharju for Finland.
