BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres announced on Friday the hiring of Jarmo Kekalainen, former General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He joins the team as a senior adviser, bringing significant experience to support GM Kevyn Adams and the front office.
In this new position, Kekalainen will report directly to Adams and will contribute across all aspects of the hockey operations department, according to the team`s statement. The 58-year-old Finnish executive was previously GM for the Blue Jackets for 11 years before his departure in February 2024. He was notably the NHL`s first European-born general manager.
The decision to hire Kekalainen comes amidst increasing scrutiny on Adams, who has limited executive experience since becoming the Sabres` first-time GM in June 2020 following the dismissal of Jason Botterill. Adams, a native of the Buffalo area, played in the NHL and had short stints as an agent and coach before working in the Sabres` business operations. His appointment as GM coincided with owner-driven cost reductions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sabres currently hold an NHL record with a 14-season playoff drought. Adams is reportedly under pressure, entering the final year of his contract.
Facing questions about his future with the team, Adams indicated during his end-of-season media availability last month that improving the staff was a priority, stating they would “take a look at everything.” He also reflected on the team`s 13-game losing streak in December, questioning whether he should have made roster changes earlier in the season.
In the team`s official announcement on Friday, Adams commented that Kekalainen quickly emerged as a top candidate for the senior adviser position during the search.
Adams praised Kekalainen`s qualifications, stating, “Jarmo possesses an impressive background and a history of success, drawing from his deep scouting experience, extensive time as an NHL general manager, and significant work in international and European professional hockey.” He added, “I am extremely pleased to bring another valuable member into our front office as we continue enhancing our staff.”
While leading the Blue Jackets, Kekalainen presided over the most prosperous period in the franchise`s history. Under his management, Columbus recorded 43 or more wins in four different seasons, including a team record of 50 wins in 2016-17. They reached the playoffs five times during his eleven years, a significant improvement compared to only one playoff appearance in the team`s initial 12 seasons.
Kekalainen commented on his alignment with Adams, saying, “We share similar philosophies and fundamental beliefs on constructing a successful team.” He expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am keen to contribute wherever possible and believe I can provide a new viewpoint to complement the existing staff as we work to enhance our roster this offseason.”
Kekalainen`s hiring follows the recent addition of former NHL player Eric Staal, a former teammate of Adams, as a special assistant to the GM. The Sabres` front office structure also includes three assistant general managers: Jason Karmanos, Mark Jakubowski, and Jerry Forton.
After a short playing career in the NHL with Boston and Ottawa in the early 1990s, Kekalainen transitioned into scouting before taking on front-office positions with the Ottawa Senators and the St. Louis Blues.
His experience also extends to international hockey, where he served as assistant GM for Finland`s national team. In this capacity, he was part of the team that won a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and also worked with the team at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
