The New Jersey Devils have added another assistant coach for the upcoming season, hiring Chris Taylor to join Lindy Ruff’s staff. The team has also added Dave Rogalski as a goaltending coach. The group will be joined by two other assistants, Alain Nasreddine and Mark Recchi.
Taylor is the notable hire here, given his recent stint as head coach of the Rochester Americans. Over three seasons with the minor league team, he led them to a 116-65-33 record though wasn’t able to find much postseason success. Still, Taylor was believed to be a top coaching prospect and even served as an interim assistant with the Buffalo Sabres down the stretch.
While Buffalo cleaned house under new GM Kevyn Adams, Taylor will land on his feet in New Jersey for his first full-time NHL coaching role. He’ll bring a wealth of knowledge to the position, including nearly 20 years as a professional player. Taylor suited up for 151 NHL games over the years, doing most of his damage in the AHL.
Taylor being let go by the Sabres on cleanout day still bugs the hell out of me. Good for him to be working with Ruff.
Chris Taylor, class act, deserved better treatment by the Sabres. Their loss, NJ Devils gain. He’s back in the NHL where he really belongs. Great for him, working with Lindy Ruff. Much success to him!