The Buffalo Sabres added a new coach to their roster, hiring Zach Redmond to work in player development, along with scout Brad Dexter. Redmond is no stranger to the Sabres, playing parts of three seasons with the Blue and Gold. He spent much more time with the Rochester Amerks, where he appeared in 183 games. Redmond also has international experience, competing for three years at EHC Munchen.
The former NHL defenseman’s best season was in Colorado, where he had 76 blocks, 59 hits and 20 takeaways in 2014-15. His overall career numbers were 149, 154 and 35, respectively. Not a strong offensive d-man during his time in the NHL, Redmond netted a total of 9 goals, 29 assists and 38 total points in six seasons. However, when he played for EHC Munchen, Redmond recorded 112 points in 140 matchups.
Buffalo’s new development coach had his share of adversity. Back in 2013, Redmond, then playing for the Winnipeg Jets, fell backwards into the net during a practice before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Antti Meittinen also lost his footing and accidentally sliced through Redmond’s sock with his skate. The skate severed Redmond’s right femoral artery and vein. Quick-acting teammates and medical staff saved his life, but he lost more than half his blood and the incident almost ended his career.
The Sabres, as a franchise, have suffered their share of adversity, too. While few players ever experienced the near-death scare Redmond encountered, the team is going through a 12 years and counting playoff drought and barely missed making it to the postseason in 2022-23.
Defense has long been one of Buffalo’s weak spots. Redmond’s new role involves traveling to college campuses in the United States and rinks in Europe to work with the Sabres’ defensive prospects. New picks Maxim Strbak and Gavin McCarthy plan to attend Michigan State and Boston University this fall, respectively.
Since he played for three years in Germany, Redmond will probably fly there at some point to help coach the Sabres’ final 2023 draft choice, Norwin Panocha. Panocha plans to compete for DEL Eisbären Berlin in their upcoming season. Redmond was named the DEL’s best defenseman in 2021-22 and won the league’s championship during his final year. Maybe he can help Panocha accomplish the same goal and of course, eventually bring him to Buffalo.