'“The synergies between the Sabres and Bills are genuine, and we are well-positioned for the new NHL draft process by utilizing the space and experience at One Bills Drive for our Sabres draft this season,” Sabres and Bills Chief Operating Officer Pete Guelli said in a press release.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to borrow Bills’ draft room for decentralized 2025 NHL draft
The Sabres Report - Jun 2, 2025
Sabres to utilize Buffalo Bills’ facilities for decentralized NHL Draft
'For the first time outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL is holding a decentralized draft – meaning each of the league’s 32 clubs will operate from their home markets rather than convene in a single host city.' … [Read more...] about Sabres to utilize Buffalo Bills’ facilities for decentralized NHL Draft
The Sabres Report - Jun 1, 2025
Inside the NHL: Jarmo Kekalainen is here to win, not just automatically replace Kevyn Adams
'Adams and coach Lindy Ruff, both in the final years of their contracts, could stay on. Kekalainen could ascend to a more official title in the organization (president of hockey operations?) and improve his profile even more for another shot at a GM job.' … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: Jarmo Kekalainen is here to win, not just automatically replace Kevyn Adams
The Sabres Report - May 31, 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
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
The Sabres Report - May 30, 2025
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Leone coached ‘well beyond his experience’ (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 29, 2025
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
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
The Sabres Report - May 28, 2025
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