Sabres Acknowledge Role in GM Change

The Buffalo Sabres, currently riding a three-game winning streak, have replaced Kevyn Adams with Jarmo Kekäläinen as general manager. The Sabres, who have been playing .500 hockey for over two months and are six points out of a playoff spot, recognize their part in the decision.

Kekäläinen Demands More from the Roster

In his introductory press conference, Kekäläinen emphasized the need for harder work and consistent compete from his new team. Alex Tuch and coach Lindy Ruff both expressed their determination to improve.

“We’re a big reason why a man lost his job. We weren’t getting the results that needed to happen, and we feel terrible about that. We need to be better in this locker room.”

Ruff added, “I felt sad, felt like I let my GM down, that I didn’t get the job done.”

Sabres Look Forward to Working with Kekäläinen

Having joined the organization as a special advisor in May, Kekäläinen has spent the past few months familiarizing himself with the team. Players and coaches have also had the chance to get to know the 59-year-old Finnish native and have been impressed by his insights.

Ruff praised Kekäläinen’s approach to the game, saying, “He’s a guy that’s always looking in different directions. Our coaches’ room has been open, he’s sat in there and we’ve spent a lot of time talking about players, analytics, and different parts of the game.”