BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres announced Friday the hiring of former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior adviser. This move is aimed at adding substantial experience to the front-office staff led by general manager Kevyn Adams.
Kekalainen, 58, who hails from Finland, will report directly to Adams in this newly established position. His role will involve contributions across all aspects of the hockey department, according to the team`s announcement. Kekalainen had been out of the NHL since his dismissal by the Blue Jackets in February 2024, ending his 11-year tenure as general manager. Notably, he was the first European-born individual to hold a GM title in the league.
His appointment comes as Adams has faced increasing scrutiny regarding his limited experience in overseeing an NHL franchise since taking over as a first-time GM following Jason Botterill`s abrupt firing in June 2020. Adams, a Buffalo native and former player, had brief experience as an agent and assistant coach before being hired as GM while working in the Sabres` business operations. His promotion was seen by some as part of ownership`s cost-cutting measures implemented in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
The Sabres are currently enduring an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought, with Adams facing pressure as he enters the final year of his contract.
Addressing questions about his job security in Buffalo last month, Adams emphasized the potential need to upgrade his staff, stating he would “take a look at everything.” He also reflected on the team`s December performance, where a 13-game skid derailed their season, and questioned whether he should have made roster changes sooner.
In a statement released by the team on Friday, Adams stated that Kekalainen quickly emerged as a prime candidate during his search process for a senior adviser role.
“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 commented. He added, “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.”
During his time in Columbus, Kekalainen presided over the most successful period in the Blue Jackets` history. This included the team achieving 43 or more wins on four occasions, setting a franchise record of 50 wins in 2016-17, and reaching the playoffs five times – a significant improvement from their single playoff appearance in the team`s first 12 seasons.
Expressing his perspective, Kekalainen said, “We are aligned in our philosophies and share the same core beliefs on how to build a winning team.” He also noted, “I’m eager to help in any area I can, and think I can offer a fresh perspective to supplement the staff already in place as we look to improve our roster this offseason.”
Kekalainen`s addition follows another recent front-office hire: Eric Staal, a former NHL forward and teammate of Adams, who was brought in as a special assistant to the GM. The Sabres` front office also includes three assistant GMs: Jason Karmanos, Mark Jakubowski, and Jerry Forton.
Following a brief NHL playing career in the early 1990s with Boston and Ottawa, Kekalainen transitioned to scouting and subsequently held front-office positions with the Senators and St. Louis Blues.
His international experience includes serving as assistant GM for Finland`s national team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where the team won a bronze medal, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
