Sabres’ Kekäläinen Demands High Work Ethic and Competitiveness as GM
Jarmo Kekäläinen has made a bold entrance as the new general manager for the Buffalo Sabres. His introductory press conference on Tuesday marked a significant transition for the team, succeeding Kevyn Adams.
Kekäläinen’s Focus on Work Ethic and Competitiveness
From the outset, Kekäläinen emphasized the importance of hard work and competitiveness. He pointed out that there have been instances in the current season where the team’s talent did not translate into wins. He stated, “There’s been games this year where we looked like it was going to be easy, and then we lost because we got outworked.” This perspective highlights a critical area for improvement.
Kekäläinen declared this lack of work ethic as “unacceptable.” He stressed that achieving success in the NHL requires a relentless attitude, stating, “Every team’s too good… you’ve got to work and you’ve got to compete.” His goal is to instill a competitive identity in the Buffalo Sabres.
Current Team Status and Playoff Aspirations
Despite the team struggling this season, Kekäläinen remains optimistic. The Sabres are currently tied for last in the Eastern Conference after 32 games. However, Kekäläinen believes in the potential for improvement.
He expressed confidence that the team can still make a playoff run this year. “I think we’re very close. I firmly believe we can make the playoffs this year,” Kekäläinen said. “There’s a lot of hockey left.”
Key Takeaways from the Press Conference
- Jarmo Kekäläinen is the new GM of the Buffalo Sabres.
- He replaces Kevyn Adams in a significant leadership change.
- Kekäläinen emphasizes the need for a strong work ethic and relentless competitiveness.
- The Sabres are tied for last in the Eastern Conference.
- Kekäläinen believes the team can still qualify for the playoffs.
This renewed focus on work ethic and competitiveness could reshape the Sabres’ identity, offering fans hope for a turnaround as the season progresses.
