Strengthening the Front Office
The Buffalo Sabres have strengthened their front office on Friday by bringing in Jarmo Kekäläinen, who previously served as the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. In his new role as senior adviser, Kekäläinen will work closely with general manager Kevyn Adams across various facets of the hockey operations team. This marks the second front office appointment for Adams this offseason; earlier, he enlisted former Hurricanes player Eric Staal as a special assistant.
The Importance of Experience
As he enters his sixth year as the GM, Adams acknowledges the importance of surrounding himself with seasoned professionals to help tackle the team’s prolonged struggle to reach the playoffs, a drought that has now lasted 14 years.
“In the quest for hiring someone for this position, Jarmo quickly emerged as the optimal choice for enhancing our front office,” Adams expressed in an official statement.
He highlighted Kekäläinen’s extensive experience in both scouting and general management, noting his rich history of achievements in the NHL and international hockey.
Kekäläinen’s Noteworthy Journey
Kekäläinen’s journey in the NHL is noteworthy; he made history in 2013 as the first European-born general manager when he took the helm of the Blue Jackets. Over the course of his 12-year tenure, Kekäläinen guided the team to five playoff appearances, becoming the franchise’s longest-serving and most successful GM. Before Columbus, he managed teams in Finland’s Liiga and held various roles in the NHL, including as a scout for the Ottawa Senators and the St. Louis Blues, where he ultimately became assistant general manager.
Collaboration and Vision
“Kevyn and I have maintained a solid working relationship from our shared time in Columbus, and discussing this opportunity felt like a seamless transition,” Kekäläinen stated, emphasizing their shared vision for constructing a competitive team. He expressed enthusiasm for contributing his insights and expertise to enhance the existing roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Future Implications for the Sabres
Kekäläinen’s arrival significantly elevates the level of experience in Buffalo’s management. While his record in Columbus reveals some imperfections, his insights could prove crucial for Adams, especially with several key players like JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, and others facing restricted free agency, along with Alex Tuch’s contract extension eligibility. The decisions made this summer are poised to play a critical role in shaping the franchise’s future.
Scrutiny and Urgency
Adams’ tenure has faced scrutiny as the Sabres have consistently ranked among the lower echelons of the NHL, with their winning percentage placing them 25th and their best finish being 20th in league standings over the past five seasons. Critics have voiced their discontent regarding performance missteps, especially as the team saw a regression following a promising 91-point season in 2022-23. As both Adams and coach Lindy Ruff enter the final year of their contracts, the urgency to conclude the playoff drought intensifies.
Conclusion
While the exact influence Kekäläinen will wield in this process remains to be seen, there is widespread recognition of the need for a veteran voice in Buffalo’s leadership circle to help guide the team through this pivotal offseason.
