Kekalainen Appointed Sabres GM, Succeeds Adams
Jarmo Kekalainen has been appointed as the new general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, succeeding Kevyn Adams. Adams was let go after six seasons with the team. Kekalainen, who joined the Sabres as a senior adviser earlier this year, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization.
Kekalainen’s Appointment and Background
“It is a great honor to be named general manager of the Buffalo Sabres,” Kekalainen stated. He thanked owners Terry and Kim Pegula for their trust, noting his excitement about joining the team.
Terry Pegula emphasized that the decision to hire Kekalainen came after a thorough search. He said, “Jarmo stood out as our top choice… His experience, professionalism, and drive speak for themselves.” Kekalainen is expected to oversee all hockey operations as he steps into his new role.
Previous Achievements
Before joining the Sabres, Kekalainen was the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024. He made history as the NHL’s first Europe-born GM. Under his leadership, the Blue Jackets had significant success, including:
- Five playoff appearances.
- A franchise record of 50 wins and 108 points during the 2016-17 season.
- The team’s first playoff series win, completing a sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019.
Challenges Ahead for the Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres currently hold a record of 14-14-4 and sit in eighth place in the Atlantic Division. The team has struggled to make the playoffs since 2011. In light of recent performance, Pegula noted the need for a shift in leadership within the hockey operations department.
“We are not where we need to be as an organization,” he stated. “We are dedicated to building a competitive team year after year.” He also took a moment to appreciate Adams, saying, “He has been a reliable presence, and we are thankful for his dedication.”
Next Game Information
The Sabres will face off against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center in Buffalo this Thursday, with a start time of 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game on HULU and ESPN+.
