SabreSpace

Buffalo Sabres News and Discussion

Archives for May 2025

Sabres hire former Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as senior advisor

'Kekalainen, who is from Finland, became the first European-born general manager in NHL history when he was hired by the Blue Jackets in 2013 and led the team to its four highest point totals in franchise history and five of its six playoff appearances during an 11-year run. Included was a stunning 2019 first-round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who had rolled through the … [Read more...] about Sabres hire former Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as senior advisor

Buffalo News |

Sabres GM Adams boosts front-office staff’s experience by hiring Kekalainen as a senior adviser

'His hiring addresses growing criticism Adams has faced in having little experience overseeing the Sabres since taking over the job as a first-time GM after Jason Botterill was abruptly fired in June 2020. Adams, who is from the Buffalo-area, is a former player who had brief experience as an agent and assistant coach, and was working in the Sabres business department upon being … [Read more...] about Sabres GM Adams boosts front-office staff’s experience by hiring Kekalainen as a senior adviser

AP |

Sabres add longtime Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as senior advisor

'Kekalainen served as the general manager of the Blue Jackets from 2013 until 2024. In his time in Columbus the team made the playoffs five times, including four seasons in a row between 2017 and 2020. Before being in the GM chair in Columbus, he spent time in the front office for both the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues, where he served as assistant general manager.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add longtime Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as senior advisor

WIVB-TV |

Jarmo Kekalainen joins Sabres hockey department

'“As we navigated the process of hiring for this role, it very quickly became apparent that Jarmo was an ideal candidate to augment our front office,” Adams said. “From his extensive history in scouting, his long tenure as an NHL general manager and his vast experience at the international and European pro levels, Jarmo has a remarkable resume and a long history of success in … [Read more...] about Jarmo Kekalainen joins Sabres hockey department

Sabres.com |

3 things to know about Senior Advisor Jarmo Kekalainen

'Kekalainen boasts plenty of international front office experience, having served as general manager of two Finnish teams – HIFK and Jokerit of Liiga – across seven seasons. He also served as Finland’s assistant general manager for the last three best-on-best tournaments: the 2014 Olympics, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.' … [Read more...] about 3 things to know about Senior Advisor Jarmo Kekalainen

Sabres.com |

Takeaways: There were lots of positives to glean from Amerks' big season

'But Laval eliminated the Buffalo Sabres’ top affiliate with Sunday’s 5-0 victory in Game 5 of the North Division finals. The Amerks had legitimate hopes to grab their first Calder Cup since 1996, as evidenced by their 92-point season that put them tied for fifth in the 32-team league., before finally succumbing to the waves of pressure from the AHL’s top team.' … [Read more...] about Takeaways: There were lots of positives to glean from Amerks’ big season

Buffalo News |

Takeaways from Levi, Karmanos and more at Rochester’s end-of-season press conferences

'“That’s what we’re doing with the draft – we’re really projecting them years out,” Karmanos said. “Drafting 17- and 18-year-old kids who haven’t physically developed, you can get tendencies on players, in terms of their ability to play a tough or aggressive style of hockey. Of course we look for players with those elements. Depending on what level they’re playing at, it’s not … [Read more...] about Takeaways from Levi, Karmanos and more at Rochester’s end-of-season press conferences

Sabres.com |

After a big year in Rochester net, Devon Levi hopes his NHL shot is coming

'“I’m super grateful for this year, and I’m excited for next year,” Levi said Tuesday on a video call during Amerks breakup day in Blue Cross Arena. “I feel like I’m ready to play in the NHL, but, obviously, it’s out of my control, and I leave that up to the people in charge, people paid to make that decision. It takes time as a goalie. ... All I can focus on is being the best … [Read more...] about After a big year in Rochester net, Devon Levi hopes his NHL shot is coming

Buffalo News |

Hamilton Take 2: Thompson's Golden Goal should score spot on US Olympic team

'It was more than goal scoring, which I think helped him. In the three games before the Gold medal game, Thompson didn’t score, but I still think he played well. The thing I think clinched it for him is he played the team game that San Jose Sharks Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky wanted his players to play. I could tell the Sabres winger was embracing more of a team concept and … [Read more...] about Hamilton Take 2: Thompson’s Golden Goal should score spot on US Olympic team

WGRZ-TV |