Lock it up: Ruff, Regier get new deals

The Sabres finally appear ready to start accomplishing something. A report by the Associated Press says the organization has reached deals with head coach Lindy Ruff and general manager Darcy Regier.

The deals will be announced later this week, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Sabres have not yet announced the signings.

Since joining the team in the summer of 1997, the tandem has led the team to four conference final appearances and one Stanley Cup final appearance. Ruff is the longest tenured coach in the league.

The length of the contracts are unknown, but it is widely known that both were looking for long term deals to stay with the Sabres.

It is also unknown how much each will make. It had been indicated that Ruff was seeking to become one of the highest paid coaches in the league, which is appropriate considering his achievements (winningest coach in team history, recent success of two straight conference finals and President's Trophy, 2006 Jack Adams Award winner, not to mention, his great facial hair).

Even though Sabres fans are still fretting over what will happen in free agency, this should be a very assuring turn of events. With Ruff & Regier coming back, despite who's out on the ice, the team will be competitive for the forseeable future.