Sabres announce Jarmo Kekalainen Hired as Senior Advisor

[Brawndo]

Per Sabres PR

 

Edited May 30 by Brawndo

[LGR4GM]

Holy *****, they did a thing. I've actually liked how he drafted so we shall see. 

[Ctaeth]

not in love with the fact that he is reporting to KA instead of TP.  but nevertheless happy they found someone willing to do all the thinking for KA

[French Collection]

It’s something. I respect this guy’s resume but I am surprised he would report to KA.

His scouting background should help identify talent. He knows how to deal with a small market organization that probably had a lot of NMCs at the top.

I like this, if KA actually listens.

[Brawndo]

 

[Mr. Allen]

I’m guessing Shanahan wasn’t an option. 
 

Jarmo sure has lots of experience.  His teams were never that great though. 

[LGR4GM]

https://www.nhl.com/news/jarmo-kekalainen-wants-opportunity-to-be-nhl-gm

From 2024 when Columbus let him go. 

[Thorny]

What I was waiting for 

Ok, so we can all agree that if we make the playoffs next year, credit goes to Jarmo, and Kevyn still gets re-assigned? If so, I’m back in

[dudacek]

Well, holy *****.

Most obvious choice was most obvious choice.

(I mean, even I don't follow the Sabres on Twitter 😜)

 

[LGR4GM]

Jarmo Kekalainen is responsible for Columbus current group which impo is going to be quite good. 

 

[Porous Five Hole]

Jarmo Kekalainen on pending UFAs six years ago: “Moving forward we want guys who are proud to be Blue Jackets, proud to be living in Columbus & loving it here. It’s really important that they bleed blue ... Guys that don’t want to be here — good luck.”

He’s been drinking the ‘want to be here’ koolaid longer than GMKA. 🙃

Edited May 30 by Porous Five Hole

[Brawndo]

With the Combine coming up next week, it’s the only opportunity this offseason where all the front offices will be in the same place for trade discussions. Having Jarmo on board will help that process 

[WhenWillItEnd66]

He likes tougher players as well. I am definitely ok with his voice being added to the Team

[Weave]

I am not convinced this brings any meaningful change to the image and perceived competence of this organization, but what the hell, its something.

[thewookie1]

All I fear is him wanting to acquire Gudbranson

[dudacek]

2 minutes ago, Brawndo said:

With the Combine coming up next week, it’s the only opportunity this offseason where all the front offices will be in the same place for trade discussions. Having Jarmo on board will help that process 

This was important from my perspective.

I wasn't certain this was actually happening, but if it was ti needed to happen soon because the important season for GMs is now.

[Brawndo]

GMKA: He was also the only person who would take a position where they report to me.

(Sarcasm)

[Pimlach]

This  is something. 

Not reporting to Terry is good if Adams will listen to Jarmo and buffer him from the big boss.  

Looks like a hire that can replace Adams as GM at any time.  

Where does Ruff fit again? 

Does he report directly to TP? 

 

[Ctaeth]

some links for those interested:

 

discussion of some of Jarmo's big trades in Columbus:

https://www.jacketscannon.com/jarmo-week-look-back-at-some-big-trades-saad-jones-panarin-duchene-gaborik-bjorkstrand-blue-jackets/

list of all the trades:

https://www.nhltradetracker.com/user/trade_list_by_GM/Jarmo_Kekalainen/135

[WhenWillItEnd66]

I know there are going to be some that beat this up, but he has a decent resume and good at adding good players. The BJ are going to be a hard team to play against and he is the reason behind it. 

[LGR4GM]

Cool, we can fire Jerry Forton immediately. 

[Rasmus_]

I will say, a rare shock that they actually hired someone that wasn't an internal b/s regurgitation.  While a lot of Jarmo's recent trade targets haven't worked out.  He does at least have credibility.  I'm shocked that Terry signed off on this.

[Drag0nDan]

He did get Gaudreau to sign in 2022 which was the top dog that year.  I liked his comments on the signing as well.  

Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen expressed the hope that with the signing "we can finally get rid of the bullsh*t that this is somehow a bad destination, a bad city, whatever. Because it's never been true."

 

[Rasmus_]

1 minute ago, LGR4GM said:

Cool, we can fire Jerry Forton immediately. 

Please he's attrocious.  

[Pimlach]

1 minute ago, LGR4GM said:

Cool, we can fire Jerry Forton immediately. 

He is a friend of TP isn't he?