The Buffalo Sabres have hired Jarmo Kekalanen as a senior advisor. Kekalainen brings a wealth of knowledge and tenure to this new position in the Sabres organization. The 58-year-old served as general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013-2024. His level of experience is what Buffalo has been looking to bring to the hockey department.
“It very quickly became apparent that Jarmo was an ideal candidate to augment our front office,” Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams said in a press release. “From his extensive history in scouting, his long tenure as an NHL general manager and his vast experience at the international and European pro levels, Jarmo has a remarkable resume and a long history of success in this league.”
Kekalainen Provides Experience
Kekalainen was the first European-born general manager in NHL history when he was hired by the Blue Jackets. He also brings experience as an NHL player, a scout, director of amateur scouting, NHL assistant GM, and as a general manager in the Finnish SM-Liiga.
With a significant amount of European talent in the Sabres system, Kekalainen will undoubtedly be a strong asset for team management.
“I spoke with a number of candidates about this role, and it’s clear to me that Jarmo Is a perfect fit for our team,” Adams said. “I couldn’t be more excited to add another significant piece to our front office as we continue the process of adding to our staff.”
Kekalainen has shown a penchant for being aggressive in his time with the Blue Jackets. He was at the helm in Columbus when highly sought-after free agent Johnny Gaudreau signed a seven-year contract with the club in July of 2022.
The Tampere, Finland native is excited about this new position with the Sabres.
“Kevyn and I already had a strong working relationship from my time with the Blue Jackets,” Kekalainen said. “When we first started talking about this opportunity, it immediately felt like a natural fit. “We are aligned in our philosophies and share the same core beliefs on how to build a winning team. I’m eager to help in any area I can and think I can offer a fresh perspective to supplement the staff already in place as we look to improve our roster this offseason.”
The time for the Sabres to take a significant step forward is now. A return to the postseason after a 14-year absence will be the focus.
If the team fails to get off to a strong start this fall, the next general manager of the Buffalo Sabres may already be in the organization.
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