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The Sabres make a huge splash with their newest front office signing

The Sabres have found their new Senior Advisor in Jarmo Kekalainen. Could this signing pave the way for the Sabres moving forward?
ByZackary Laware|
Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announces David Jiricek (not pictured) as the number six overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announces David Jiricek (not pictured) as the number six overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images | Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has hired Jarmo Kekalainen as the team’s senior advisor. In his role, Kekalainen will report to General Manager Kevyn Adams and will be involved in all areas of the hockey department.

The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Kekalainen to be their general manager in February 2013, becoming the first European-born general manager in NHL history. During his time in Columbus, Kekalainen oversaw the most successful stretch of hockey in team history, including the team’s four best point totals in franchise history.

Kekalainen was at the helm for five of Columbus’ six playoff appearances all-time and oversaw Columbus’ first-ever playoff series win as well. Seeing Kelkalainen successful with a small market team, such as the Columbus Blue Jackets, should have Sabres fans grinning from ear to ear.

What does this signing mean for the future of the Sabres?

This signing will do a lot more for the Sabres than fans are expecting. With Kekalainen having day-to-day input on how the team is run, it will help Kevyn Adams moving forward. I’ve stated before that the Atlantic Division had an impressive five playoff teams this year that the Sabres need to compete with next season.

The Sabres making the playoffs will not be easy, no matter the talent they possess. Which means you could see Kevyn Adams fired or moved to a new role by the end of the year. Which means someone would need to fill the vacant GM position, and that's where Kekalainen comes in.

With his experience mixed with the skill that Jason Karmanos possesses as the Assistant GM, you could have two well-rounded veteran staff members at the helm for the Sabres.

Kekalainen brought in guys like Seth Jones and Artemi Panarin into Columbus during his time with the team, which goes to show he would be willing to go all in to win the cup. This could be exactly what Buffalo needs going forward, as they possess a lot of offensive talent and could make a big move during free agency.

He may only be the senior advisor now, but look for Kekalainen to make many future moves with the Sabres.