One day after his promotion, new Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekäläinen addressed the media, emphasizing team character and consistency to end the 14-year playoff drought. He praised the roster's talent, supported coach Lindy Ruff pending review, and highlighted positive underlying metrics amid a middling season start.
Kekäläinen's First Press Conference
On December 16, 2025—his first full day as general manager—Jarmo Kekäläinen spoke to the media in Buffalo, building on his promotion from senior adviser the previous day. With the Sabres at 14-14-4, tied for last in the East but six points from a playoff spot, he stressed the need for character: "We have some really good core pieces here. We’re close. Now we just have to take the next step." He called out lapses in effort as unacceptable, drawing from his Columbus experience: "Winning hockey games is the most important ingredient."
Coaching and Roster Evaluation
Kekäläinen backed head coach Lindy Ruff but signaled a comprehensive review: "Lindy’s resume speaks for itself ... We're going to evaluate everything moving forward." Analysts have floated Peter DeBoer as a potential option.
He has full authority from owner Terry Pegula to spend to the cap and plans to re-sign Alex Tuch. Kekäläinen urged players to move past the playoff drought: "Forget about the 14-years thing that’s kind of hanging around like a black cloud."
Promising Metrics Amid Challenges
NHL EDGE stats offer optimism: seventh in shot speed (59.57 mph), eighth in speed bursts (817). Tage Thompson leads with 16 goals, elite shot metrics. Rasmus Dahlin excels in shots and zone time; Josh Doan in high-danger chances. Penalty kill ranks third (84.9%), takeaways top-tier.
Goaltending lags (.886 SV%, 11th-worst), but Alex Lyon shone recently (.925 in three wins). Injuries to Josh Norris, Zach Benson (leave), and others have hurt.
Buffalo practices Wednesday before hosting Philadelphia Thursday.
