'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
Archives for May 31, 2025
Sabres add to front office by naming Jarmo Kekalainen senior advisor to GM Kevyn Adams
'When the Sabres must make a difficult decision, you can bet Kekalainen, who spent 11 years as general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, will speak up and explain what he did in a similar situation and why it did or did not work.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add to front office by naming Jarmo Kekalainen senior advisor to GM Kevyn Adams
NHL club hires Jarmo Kekäläinen
'In Finland, Kekäläinen built a championship team for HIFK in 1998 and later served as the Jokerit's top man.' … [Read more...] about NHL club hires Jarmo Kekäläinen
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
Sabres hire Jarmo Kekalainen to serve as senior advisor under Kevyn Adams
'Kekalainen served as the Blue Jackets' general manager from 2013 until 2024. Under his tutelage, Kekalainen helped build a Columbus team that went 410-362-97 in 869 regular-season games.' … [Read more...] about Sabres hire Jarmo Kekalainen to serve as senior advisor under Kevyn Adams
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
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
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