BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres announced on Friday the hiring of Jarmo Kekalainen, former General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as a senior adviser. This move significantly boosts the experience level of General Manager Kevyn Adams` front-office team.
Kekalainen will report directly to Adams in this newly created position, where he will participate in all facets of the hockey operations department. The 58-year-old Finnish executive had been away from the NHL since his dismissal by the Blue Jackets in February 2024. He served as Columbus`s GM for 11 years, notably being the first person born in Europe to hold an NHL general manager title.
This hiring comes as Adams has faced increasing criticism regarding his limited experience since taking over as GM in June 2020, following the abrupt firing of Jason Botterill. Adams, a Buffalo native and former player, had brief stints as an agent and assistant coach before working in the Sabres` business department. He was appointed GM as part of ownership`s cost-saving measures during the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath.
The Sabres are currently experiencing an NHL-record drought, missing the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons. Adams enters the final year of his contract facing considerable pressure regarding his job security.
During his season-ending press conference last month, Adams addressed questions about his future by emphasizing the need to improve his staff, stating, “We`ll take a look at everything.” The Sabres` recent season was severely impacted by a 13-game losing streak in December, a period Adams has since reconsidered, questioning whether he should have made roster changes sooner.
In a statement released by the team, Adams indicated that Kekalainen quickly emerged as a top candidate for the senior adviser role during his search process.
Adams praised Kekalainen, saying, “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 possesses an impressive resume and a proven track record of success in this league.” He added, “I am extremely pleased to add another key individual to our front office as we continue our efforts to strengthen our staff.”
During his time in Columbus, Kekalainen oversaw the most successful era in Blue Jackets history. Under his leadership, the team achieved 43 or more wins four times, including a franchise record 50 wins in the 2016-17 season, and qualified for the playoffs five times. Prior to his tenure, the franchise had reached the playoffs only once in its first 12 seasons.
Kekalainen commented on the move, stating, “We share common philosophies and core beliefs on how to construct a winning team.” He expressed eagerness to assist in any capacity, believing he can offer a fresh perspective to complement the existing staff as they work to improve the roster this offseason.
Kekalainen`s arrival follows another recent front-office addition, former NHL forward Eric Staal (a former teammate of Adams), who was hired as a special assistant to the GM. The Sabres` front office also includes three assistant GMs: Jason Karmanos, Mark Jakubowski, and Jerry Forton.
After a brief playing career in the NHL in the early 1990s with Boston and Ottawa, Kekalainen transitioned into scouting before moving into front-office positions with the Senators and the St. Louis Blues.
He also has significant international experience, having served as assistant GM for Finland`s national team. He was part of the team that won a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and was involved with the 2016 World Cup of Hockey squad.
Tristan Blackwood