Lindy Ruff (photo: Getty Images)

There have been 324 head coaches in the history of the NHL, according to the 2008-09 Record Book.

On Wednesday night, Lindy Ruff reached a plateau that only seven of those before him have surpassed.

Recording his 400th career win with the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers, Ruff became only the eighth coach to accomplish the feat with same NHL team and the 23rd coach to reach 400-wins all-time.

He is fifth among active coaches in career wins, compiling a record of 400-320-103 through 823 games and has the most wins among active coaches with their current teams.

Ruff began his coaching career as a player / assistant for the IHL San Diego Gulls in 1992-93, and was quickly promoted to an assistant coach position in the NHL for the expansion Florida Panthers from 1993-1997.

Attaining his first head-coaching position with the Buffalo Sabres the following season, Ruff has never looked back.

Since then he has become the all-time winningest coach in Sabres’ history, leading the team to it's first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 24 years in 1999, a President's Trophy in 2007, and four Eastern Conference Finals.

Ruff has also coached in the NHL All-Star Game twice in his career, and won the Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 2006.

Entering his 12th season with the Buffalo Sabres he and General Manager Darcy Regier make up the longest tenured tandem in major professional sports. He is the 15th head coach in team history.



























Most Career Wins, Active NHL Coaches

• Mike Keenan    626       
• Ron Wilson    522
• Jacques Lemaire    502
• Ken Hitchcock    471
• Lindy Ruff   400

Most Career Wins with Current Team

• Lindy Ruff, Buff.    400
• Barry Trotz, Nash.    326
• Craig MacTavish, Edm.    265
• Jacques Lemaire, Minn.    255
• Dave Tippett, Dal.    236