Breaking news : Sad-sack Buffalo Sabres hire ex-Columbus boss Kekalainen as senior adviser of … see more

Breaking News: Buffalo Sabres Appoint Jarmo Kekäläinen as Senior Advisor

In a significant move to bolster their front office, the Buffalo Sabres have hired former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen as a senior advisor. Kekäläinen, 58, will report directly to Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.(Reuters)

A Storied Career in Hockey Management

Kekäläinen’s journey in hockey management began in Finland, where he served as the general manager of Jokerit in the Finnish Elite League from 1995 to 1999. His tenure there was marked by success, including a Kanada-malja championship. Following his time in Finland, he joined the Ottawa Senators as director of player personnel, contributing to the drafting of future NHL stars like Marian Hossa and Martin Havlat. In 2002, Kekäläinen became the assistant general manager of the St. Louis Blues, where he played a pivotal role in drafting key players such as Alex Pietrangelo and T.J. Oshie.(Wikipedia)

In February 2013, Kekäläinen made history by becoming the first European general manager in NHL history when he was appointed by the Columbus Blue Jackets . During his 11-year tenure, he led the team to five playoff appearances, including a notable second-round exit in 2019. However, his time with Columbus ended in February 2024 after a challenging season .(ESPN.com, TSN, NHL)

A Strategic Addition to the Sabres

Sabres GM Kevyn Adams expressed enthusiasm about the hiring, stating, “As we navigated the process of hiring for this role, it very quickly became apparent that Jarmo was an ideal candidate to augment our front office. From his extensive history in scouting, his long tenure as an NHL general manager and his vast experience at the international … .” Adams emphasized that Kekäläinen’s experience aligns with the Sabres’ organizational goals and vision .(Reuters)

Kekäläinen himself expressed eagerness to contribute, noting his strong working relationship with Adams and shared philosophies on team-building. He aims to offer a fresh perspective to supplement … existing staff as the Sabres look to improve their roster in the upcoming offseason .(Reuters)

Looking Ahead

The addition of Jarmo Kekäläinen to the Buffalo Sabres’ front office is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s management and support roster improvements. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Kekäläinen is poised to play a pivotal role in the Sabres’ efforts to build a competitive team in the NHL.(Reuters)

• Reuters