The Buffalo Sabres made a major move on Monday afternoon, firing general manager Kevyn Adams and elevating Jarmo Kekalainen to the role as frustration continues to mount around the franchise.
Buffalo currently sits tied for last place in the Eastern Conference at 14-14-4 and is in danger of extending its playoff absence to 15 consecutive seasons, already the longest active drought in the NHL.
“We are not where we need to be as an organization,” owner Terry Pegula said in a statement. “We are moving forward with new leadership within our hockey operations department as we recommit to building a team that can compete year after year.”
Kekalainen, who joined the Sabres as a senior adviser in May, previously served as general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024. He presided over the most successful stretch in club history, highlighted by acquiring Artemi Panarin and landing Johnny Gaudreau in free agency.
Adams, a Western New York native and former NHL forward, was hired in 2020 following the dismissal of Jason Botterill. During his tenure, Buffalo went 178-196-42 and never qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, posting a .478 points percentage that ranked near the bottom of the league.
After narrowly missing the postseason in 2022-23, the Sabres regressed over the past two seasons. Fan dissatisfaction grew louder, with frequent “Fire Adams” chants at KeyBank Center and criticism following remarks Adams made last year about Buffalo not being a destination city.
Adams is the fourth general manager fired since the Pegula family purchased the team in 2011.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].