Sabres Fire GM Adams, Promote Kekäläinen

The Buffalo Sabres fired general manager Kevyn Adams on Monday after more than five seasons in the role, promoting senior advisor Jarmo Kekäläinen to replace him amid the team's persistent struggles and a 14-season playoff drought on the verge of reaching 15 years.

The move, announced by owner Terry Pegula, comes as the Sabres sit last in the Atlantic Division with a 14-14-4 record and 32 points through 32 games this season. Pegula cited the organization's failure to meet expectations of annual competitiveness in a statement, thanking Adams for his dedication while emphasizing the need for new leadership in hockey operations. Adams, a Buffalo native and former NHL player, had overseen a 178-196-42 mark since taking over ahead of the 2020-21 season. Fan frustration had mounted over that period, with chants of "Fire Adams" echoing through KeyBank Center and criticism focusing on the team's inability to attract top talent to the small-market city.

Kekäläinen, the first European-born general manager in NHL history, steps into the role after joining the Sabres as a senior advisor in May following his dismissal from the Columbus Blue Jackets in February 2024. During his 12-year tenure...