New Sabres GM Kekalainen on coach Lindy Ruff: ‘whole organization is under evaluation
One of the biggest questions looming over a team when a new general manager is hired is what the security of their head coach is. Well, we already have a bit more clarity on that situation with now-GM Jarmo Kekalainen, head coach Lindy Ruff and the Buffalo Sabres.
In a press conference introducing the new Sabres GM, Kekalainen mentioned his relationship with Ruff, but refused to commit to the head coach right now, stressing that the entire organization is under evaluation.
Kekalainen said he's had a good relationship with Lindy Ruff, but the whole organization is under evaluation
Kekalainen was named the 10th general manager in Sabres history on Monday after the team had fired Kevyn Adams, who held the position for just over five seasons. Kekalainen was brought in as a senior adviser in the summer, with many anticipating him to be the next in line for the job if Adams was fired. Kekalainen is the first general manager the Sabres have hired with previous experience in the job since 1979 when they hired Scotty Bowman.
Ruff’s current stint with the Sabres is in its second season after he was hired in the 2024 offseason. His second time with the Sabres hasn’t been nearly as successful as his first stint from 1997 to 2013, as the Sabres have gone just 50-53-11 in 114 games, compared to a 571-432-78-84 record in his first run. It’s led to some speculation of him getting fired, although many recognize that the problem with the Sabres is far greater than the coach.
Kekalainen revealed other interesting information during the press conference, most notably that Sabres owner Terry Pegula has given him full autonomy over the hockey ops department. According to Kekalainen, he had a conversation with Pegula about having every resource available to him, such as spending to the cap in order to improve the team.
Jarmo Kekalainen said Terry Pegula has given him full autonomy of the Sabres hockey ops department. He said he and Pegula had a lot of conversations about getting every resource available, including spending to the cap, to make this an attractive place for players to play.
Kekalainen also mentioned finding a solution to the Sabres’ current three-goalie situation, saying that it wasn’t ideal. The Sabres have been running with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis all season, with the result being the eighth-worst 5v5 save percentage in the league.
Kekäläinen says 3 goalie situation is not ideal. Needs to make a decision to get to two goalies.
Kekalainen also placed his belief in the current group, saying that he believes that the Sabres have the skill to make the playoffs. He did mention that his ultimate goal was to aim for champions and not just playoff spots, and that he has some things in mind as far as changes go that may happen sooner rather than later.
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