Jarmo Kekalainen's arrival as the Buffalo Sabres' new general manager signals a potential shift towards a more aggressive and proactive approach to team management. Replacing Kevyn Adams on December 15, 2025, Kekalainen brings a wealth of experience, having served as the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024, making him the first European GM in NHL history.
Kekalainen's introductory press conference made it clear that his vision extends beyond simply making the playoffs. He stated, "It's great to make the playoffs, but we're not just here to make the playoffs, we're here to try to build a championship team". He emphasized the importance of qualities like "work," "compete," and "relentless" in shaping the Sabres' identity. Kekalainen believes that skill alone won't secure wins and that a strong work ethic and competitive spirit are essential for success in the league.
To achieve his goals, Kekalainen is expected to actively explore various avenues for improvement, potentially through trades and personnel changes. When asked about the team's direction, Kekalainen stated that he'll look at everything moving forward, “whether it's the scouting staff, management, coaches". He did not offer a firm commitment to incumbent head coach Lindy Ruff, instead stating that all aspects of the club’s hockey operations would need to be evaluated. This suggests a willingness to make significant decisions to reshape the team according to his vision.
One area where Kekalainen's impact could be felt is in player acquisitions. Given his long tenure in Columbus, he has connections to numerous players around the league. Some potential trade targets include players he previously worked with, who could bring leadership and set an example for the Sabres' roster. Observers suggest that players like Artemi Panarin, Boone Jenner, or Yegor Chinakhov, could be realistic trade options for the Sabres.
Beyond potential player acquisitions, Kekalainen may also look to revamp the Sabres' scouting staff. During his time with the Blue Jackets, the team was highly regarded for its amateur scouting. Kekalainen's expertise in talent identification could lead to changes in the Sabres' scouting operations, potentially bringing in trusted scouts like Ville Sirén, who previously worked with him in Columbus.
Kekalainen's appointment comes at a crucial time for the Sabres, who are currently on a 14-year playoff drought, the longest in the NHL. He understands the weight of this history but wants the players to stop living in the past and focus on getting better each day. He aims to build a team that competes for the Stanley Cup, not just a team that makes the playoffs.
