Kekalainen Takes Over As Sabres GM

The Buffalo Sabres have relieved general manager Kevyn Adams of his duties after five and a half seasons on the job. 

Even though the team is currently on its first three-game winning streak of the season, Buffalo still finds itself tied for last place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference standings. 

“We are not where we need to be as an organization, “ said Sabres owner Terry Pegula. “And we are moving forward with new leadership within our hockey operations department. We are dedicated to building an organization that is competitive year after year, and we have fallen short of that expectation.”

“I have named Jarmo Kekalainen general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, and he will be overseeing hockey operations effective immediately.”

Kekalainen was named senior adviser of the club on May 30th.

“It is a great honor to be named general manager of the Buffalo Sabres,” said Kekalainen. “I would like to extend my thanks to Terry and Kim Pegula for this opportunity. I am humbled to be the steward of the team and look forward to experiencing the passion that Sabres fans bring to every game.”

Kekalainen brings eleven years of experience as general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013-2024. In his tenure in the Sabres front office, Adams was unable to guide the club to a return to the postseason. Buffalo is in the midst of a 14-year playoff absence.  

Given the team’s continued struggles, a significant change in direction was inevitable. The goal of the entire organization since the beginning of the season was to secure a playoff berth. Currently, six teams are ahead of the Sabres in the chase for the final wildcard berth in the East. 

With the future fan favorite free agent Alex Tuch in doubt and the frustration of a dedicated fan base rising by the day, so much is riding on the remainder of this season and moving the team forward. 

The move represents a fresh start for a hockey operations department that now has an experienced manager at the helm. There is much work to be done. The team has struggled to achieve a consistent level of positive performance. The construction of the roster and the team culture must be evaluated carefully, and a plan to move the team forward must begin now. 

For the fans, who were looking for a sign of hope and an indication that ownership is willing to address the situation, that sign came today, as the transition to Kekalainen’s vision for the future of the Buffalo Sabres begins. 

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