In a significant shift for the franchise, the Buffalo Sabres have announced that Kevyn Adams is no longer the team’s general manager. The decision comes as Jarmo Kekalainen has been appointed to take over the role on a full-time basis, as confirmed by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.
Sabres owner Terry Pegula expressed confidence in Kekalainen, stating, “Jarmo has distinguished himself over the last eight months, and his experience, professionalism, and drive speaks for itself. I am looking forward to him leading our organization to the next level.” Kekalainen’s promotion marks a pivotal moment for the Sabres, who have been struggling in the league.
Adams had been serving as the Sabres’ general manager since June 16, 2020, a tenure that included overseeing the notable trade of star player Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the changes, the organization has faced a long postseason drought, having last qualified for the playoffs during the 2010-11 season, which is now the longest active streak in the NHL.
Currently, the Sabres find themselves in a tough spot, sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 14-14-4 and a negative goal differential of 11. The team’s promising start to the season has plummeted, prompting the move to replace Adams in hopes of revitalizing their performance and achieving greater success going forward.
This change reflects the urgency within the organization to break the playoff drought and to reestablish the Sabres as a competitive force in the NHL. As Kekalainen steps into the leadership role, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his experience can steer the franchise toward a brighter future.