With Kevyn Adams possibly taking on a new role with the Sabres, we look at three possible replacements for his position. These are a mix of external and internal hires.
Jason Karmanos
I think Karmanos is the most likely candidate to take Adams' spot out of the three on this list. He already has experience in the organization, as he is the current GM of the Rochester Americans and the assistant GM of the Buffalo Sabres.
Karmanos has drawn interest from other teams, as the Carolina Hurricanes reached out to him during their search in 2024. Karmanos also brings in a bunch of experience in front office roles, as he was hired as Carolina’s Assistant GM in the 1998-1999 season.
With his 25+ years of experience, he helped make Carolina a contender and helped the Penguins to back-to-back cups in 2016 and 2017. He has done a fantastic job with Rochester, and I think he is the best fit to replace Adams.
Brian Burke
Burke last worked with the Penguins in 2023 as the President of Hockey Operations. Burke has been a GM since the late 90s, as he turned around an ailing Canucks team into contenders. From there, he took a job with the Anaheim Ducks and led them to their first Stanley Cup in 2007.
Burke also had stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs as their GM, where he got them to a playoff spot the year he was fired. He also spent time in Calgary as the President of Hockey Operations, leading them to multiple playoff appearances as well.
Burke has a solid history of going to failing teams and turning them into playoff contenders. I think his experience would pay dividends in Buffalo as he builds around their solid offensive core.
Bob Murray
Another former GM who brings almost 35 years of experience is Bob Murray. Murray started with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1991-1992 season as their director of player personnel.
In 2005, Murray became the Ducks' senior vice president of hockey operations, working with Anaheim general manager Brian Burke and overseeing all aspects of player development. He won the Stanley Cup in this role with the Ducks in 2007 as well.
Murray was named GM of the year in 2014 and spent over 15 years with Anaheim. Murray is now the senior advisor for the Philadelphia Flyers. Murray is another GM who turned a franchise into a contender with the Ducks, and I believe he could do it again if the Sabres were to make a change.