The Buffalo Sabres have been rumored to be looking for an experienced hockey executive to join their management staff since missing the playoffs for the 14th straight season, and on Friday the club announced the hiring of former Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor to GM Kevyn Adams.  

“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 in a press release. “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 this league. 

I spoke with a number of candidates about this role, and it’s clear to me that Jarmo is a perfect fit for our team. I couldn’t be more excited to add another significant piece to our front office as we continue the process of adding to our staff.”

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Kekalainen starts as an NHL scout with Ottawa while simultaneously serving as a GM in the Finnish SM-Liiga. After becoming the Sens Director of Player Personnel for three years, he moved to the St. Louis Blues as their Director of Amateur Scouting and later Assistant GM from 2002 to 2010. The 58-year-old went back to Finland and served as GM with Jokerit for three seasons before being hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013 and serving as their GM for more than 11 seasons.

“Kevyn and I already had a strong working relationship from my time with the Blue Jackets and when we first started talking about this opportunity, it immediately felt like a natural fit,” Kekalainen said. "We are aligned in our philosophies and share the same core beliefs on how to build a winning team. I’m eager to help in any area I can and think I can offer a fresh perspective to supplement the staff already in place as we look to improve our roster this offseason.”

It was necessary for the Sabres to add an experienced hand in the front office to aid Adams in hockey decisions at a critical point, with a number of roster decisions to be made and their inability to attract free agents. Kekalainen has experience in a market that has been difficult to recruit or attract talent, which could provide Adams more insight and perspective on what direction the club needs to go towards.   

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