The Buffalo Sabres have made a significant move to bolster their front office by hiring Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior adviser. This strategic addition aims to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team's hockey operations.

A New Role for Kekalainen

Jarmo Kekalainen, the former general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, will report directly to Sabres GM Kevyn Adams. In this newly created role, Kekalainen will be involved in all areas of the hockey department, providing his expertise to help the team navigate its current challenges.

Kekalainen's Impressive Resume

Kekalainen, 58, brings a remarkable resume to the Sabres. As the first European-born GM in NHL history, he spent 11 years with the Blue Jackets, overseeing the most successful stretch in the franchise's history. During his tenure, the team achieved four seasons with 43 or more wins, including a franchise-record 50 wins in 2016-17, and made five playoff appearances.

Addressing Criticism

Kevyn Adams has faced criticism for his limited experience in overseeing the Sabres since taking over as GM in 2020. By bringing in Kekalainen, Adams aims to address these concerns and strengthen the team's front office. "Jarmo has a remarkable resume and a long history of success in this league," Adams said. "I couldn't be more excited to add another significant piece to our front office."

Shared Philosophies

Kekalainen expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "We are aligned in our philosophies and share the same core beliefs on how to build a winning team. 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."

Building a Winning Team

The Sabres are currently enduring an NHL-record 14-season playoff drought. With Kekalainen's addition, the team is making a concerted effort to improve its roster and performance. This move follows the hiring of former NHL forward Eric Staal as a special assistant to the GM, further strengthening the front office.

Kekalainen's Journey

Kekalainen's career in hockey began as a player in the early 1990s, with stints in Boston and Ottawa. He transitioned to scouting and eventually took on front office roles with the Senators and St. Louis Blues. His international experience includes serving as assistant GM of Finland's national team, which won a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Looking Ahead

As the Sabres look to the future, the addition of Jarmo Kekalainen represents a significant step towards building a competitive team. With his extensive experience and shared vision with Kevyn Adams, the Sabres are poised to make strategic moves to end their playoff drought and return to prominence in the NHL.