The Buffalo Sabres have relieved general manager Kevyn Adams of his duties and promoted Jarmo Kekäläinen to the role, effective immediately. Owner Terry Pegula announced the change, citing the need for new leadership to build a competitive organization. The Sabres, who sit eighth in the Atlantic Division with a 14-14-4 record, have not reached the playoffs since 2011.
The Buffalo Sabres made a significant front-office move on Monday, firing general manager Kevyn Adams after six seasons and elevating senior advisor Jarmo Kekäläinen to the position. Owner and president Terry Pegula confirmed the decision in a statement, thanking Adams for his dedication while emphasizing the organization's shortcomings.
"Kevyn Adams has been relieved of his duties as general manager for the Buffalo Sabres," Pegula said. "I would like to thank Kevyn for his dedication and loyalty to the Buffalo Sabres. He has been a reliable presence, and we are appreciative of his enduring care and commitment."
Pegula added, "We are not where we need to be as an organization, and we are moving forward with new leadership within our hockey operations department. We are dedicated to building an organization that is competitive year after year, and we have fallen short of that expectation."
Kekäläinen, who joined the Sabres as a senior advisor on May 30, 2025, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "It is a great honor to be named general manager of the Buffalo Sabres," he said. "I would like to extend my thanks to Terry and Kim Pegula for this opportunity. I am humbled to be the steward of this team and look forward to experiencing the passion that Sabres fans bring to every game."
The 59-year-old Finn becomes the first European-born GM in NHL history, having previously led the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2013 to 2024. During his tenure there, Columbus made the playoffs five times, including a franchise-record 50 wins and 108 points in 2016-17, and achieved their first playoff series victory by sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019. His overall record with the Blue Jackets was 410-362-97.
Adams, 51, posted a 178-196-42 record (.478 points percentage) with Buffalo since taking over ahead of the 2020-21 season. Despite key moves like trading Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, acquiring Alex Tuch and drafting Owen Power first overall, the Sabres extended their playoff drought to 14 seasons. This year, they have won three straight games but hold 32 points through 32 games.
The Sabres return home to face the Philadelphia Flyers next.
