Bold headline: A new era begins in Buffalo as Jarmo Kekalainen takes the reins as Sabres general manager, stepping in after Kevyn Adams’ dismissal.
Jarmo Kekalainen has been appointed general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, succeeding Kevyn Adams, who was relieved of duty on Monday.
“I’m honored to assume the role of general manager for the Buffalo Sabres,” Kekalainen remarked. “My gratitude goes to owners Terry and Kim Pegula for entrusting me with this opportunity. I’m humbled to be the steward of this franchise and excited to experience the evident passion Sabres fans bring to every game.”
Kekalainen joined the organization earlier as a Sabres senior advisor on May 30, marking the start of this new chapter.
Terry Pegula announced, “I have named Jarmo Kekalainen as general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, and he will oversee hockey operations with immediate effect. The decision followed an extensive search, in which Jarmo clearly stood out as our top candidate for the senior advisor role. Over the past eight months, he has demonstrated exceptional experience, professionalism, and drive. I’m confident he will lead our organization to the next level.”
Kekalainen previously served as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ general manager from 2013 to 2024, becoming the first European-born GM in NHL history.
Under his leadership in Columbus, the Blue Jackets qualified for the playoffs five times, set a franchise record with 50 wins and 108 points in the 2016-17 season, and captured the team’s first playoff series victory by sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019.
Adams spent six seasons at the Sabres’ helm. At the time of the change, Buffalo stood at 14-14-4, placing eighth in the Atlantic Division, and had not reached the playoffs since 2011.
“I’m grateful to Kevyn for his dedication and loyalty to the Buffalo Sabres,” Terry Pegula stated. “He has been a steadfast presence, and we appreciate his ongoing commitment and care. I sincerely wish him and his family all the best.”
Pegula added that the organization isn’t where it needs to be and that fresh leadership within hockey operations signals a path forward. The Sabres aim to rebuild into a consistently competitive team year after year.
Buffalo’s upcoming game is scheduled against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on HULU and ESPN+.
