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Kekäläinen's Second Act: Sabres Chase History
3 Jan
Summary
- Sabres GM Jarmo Kekäläinen leads team on 10-game winning streak.
- This streak follows his recent hiring by Buffalo on December 15.
- Kekäläinen was previously fired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in February 2024.
Buffalo Sabres General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen is currently at the helm of the NHL's hottest team, boasting a 10-game winning streak as they visit Nationwide Arena. This impressive run began shortly after his appointment as Sabres GM on December 15, 2025, replacing Kevyn Adams. Kekäläinen previously served as the Columbus Blue Jackets GM for over a decade, departing on February 15, 2024.
He draws parallels between the Sabres' current success and past achievements, notably the Blue Jackets' 16-game win streak in the 2016-17 season. Kekäläinen believes the Sabres possess inherent talent and that a strong team belief has unlocked their potential, allowing them to play "on autopilot." This turnaround has revitalized a franchise with the NHL's longest active playoff drought.
Kekäläinen's journey includes a period of reflection after his firing from Columbus, where he continued to analyze hockey using AI analytics in Finland and assisted in building the Finnish roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. His return to a GM position with the Sabres marks a significant second opportunity, leveraging lessons learned during his tenure with the Blue Jackets, a period that saw the team achieve five playoff berths and their only playoff series win.
