New Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen makes first big move, changing up the front office
New Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who was named to the job after the firing of Kevyn Adams, has made his first big move by switching up a front office role within the club.
Earlier in the week, the Buffalo Sabres made a major change in leadership by firing general manager Kevyn Adams, who had been on the job since 2021 and never once made the playoffs while seeing several players depart the team and go on to have tremendous success elsewhere.
The Sabres then named former Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, who had recently been hired by the team in a smaller role, to Adams' position.
Kekalainen has already made his first major personnel change, firing associate general manager and the GM of the AHL affiliate Rochester Americans Jason Karmanos.
Buffalo Sabres Associate General Manager/Rochester Americans General Manager Jason Karmanos has been relieved of his duties.
We thank Jason for his contributions to the Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans and wish him the best in his future endeavors. - Jarmo Kekalainen
We thank Jason for his contributions to the Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans and wish him the best in his future endeavors. - Jarmo Kekalainen
Karmanos had been with the Sabres since 2021, not long after Adams took the job, and had previously worked six years with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Jarmo Kekalainen Was Named Sabres GM After The Firing Of Kevyn Adams
The Sabres currently have the longest playoff drought in the NHL, having not made the playoffs since April of 2011.
Adams never guided the Sabres to the playoffs and had multiple high-profile players depart, including former second overall pick Jack Eichel.
Adams was widely regarded as one of the worst general managers in the sport, and there were numerous calls for team owner Terry Pegula to make a move in the months leading up to his firing.
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DECEMBRE 20|418 ANSWERS New Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen makes first big move, changing up the front office Will Jarmo Kekalainen be able to get the Sabres to the playoffs this year? | ||
| Yes | 99 | 23.7 % |
| No | 319 | 76.3 % |
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