The fire underneath Kevyn Adams' chair just got a little hotter.
The Buffalo Sabres announced they have hired Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor, serving to GM Kevyn Adams.
The two executives will be working side-by-side in an effort to get the Sabres back to the Stanley Cup playoffs, as they pushed their drought to 14 straight seasons without a playoff berth. However, if things don't change fast for the Sabres, Adams could be looking at his next successor.
Kekalainen was a long-time GM for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024. Following his dismissal in February 2024, he has served as a senior advisor for Liiga’s HIFK in Finland.
Bringing in Kekalainen gives Adams an extra set of experienced set of hands on the steering when it comes to managing his team, specifically for the upcoming draft where the Sabres have the ninth overall pick.
Kekalainen, who with Columbus drafted Zach Werenski, Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli in the first round, has a track record of unearthing late-round gems, specifically Europeans. With the Blue Jackets, he also drafted Oliver Bjorkstrand, Vladislav Gavrikov, Kirill Marchenko, Elvis Merzlikins, Dmitry Voronkov, and several others who were selected outside the first round.
With Buffalo looking to take the next step and get into the playoffs, it will be interesting to see if the Sabres keep their first-round pick or try and package it in a trade for a player who can help the team right now. Further to that, the team will be looking to add significant players in free agency, with Jarmo also has plenty of experience, having convinced Johnny Gaudreau in 2022 to sign in Columbus over the New York Islanders and other destinations.
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“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,” Adams said in a statement.
“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. 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,” the Sabres GM added.
After his playing days, Kekalainen became a European scout for the Ottawa Senators for four seasons, before being promoted to the Director of Player Personnel. Later, with the St. Louis Blues, he became the Director of Amateur Scouting and eventually the assistant GM.
Why Marner To Buffalo Is A Non-Starter The Buffalo Sabres have reached the highest level of hockey ignominity with their playoff drought extending to 14 seasons, but after strong statements regarding potential organizational changes last month at their season-ending press conferences, there have been only rumors of possible managerial and coaching shakeups.
In addition to Kekalainen being an asset for Adams, he could be a threat, too. Adams has been Buffalo’s GM for the last five seasons, and they are yet to get a sniff of the playoffs or gradual improvement.
With Kekalainen’s experience and history, if the Sabres part ways with Adams in the future, the Finnish executive could be the next man up.
