Sources: Sabres have explored adding experienced personnel to front office

May 7, 2025, 12:09 EDT

Sources: Sabres have explored adding experienced personnel to front office

The Buffalo Sabres recently held exploratory conversations with experienced NHL executives in an effort to beef up their front office, sources told Daily Faceoff.

While it is possible that the Sabres still add that voice, every indication points to Kevyn Adams retaining the title of general manager, as indicated by his announcement on Wednesday to hire former teammate and recently retired player Eric Staal as special advisor.

League sources said the Sabres internally discussed the option of a new multi-layered hierarchy, including potentially an executive that Adams would report to in addition to a new hire that would learn under him. They have kicked around the option of adding a sole senior advisor to serve as a sounding board to Adams. They have also internally weighed the notion of moving Adams to president and hiring a new GM. It is unclear now whether the Sabres will move forward with any one of those options.

Sources also indicated that assistant coach Seth Appert – formerly head coach of the AHL’s Rochester Americans and in the U.S. National Development Program – has also taken an increased, if not unofficial, role with a voice in hockey operations decisions and scouting.

The Sabres failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 14th consecutive season this spring, tying the New York Jets for the longest drought in major North American pro sports – or every full campaign since owner Terry Pegula purchased the team. Adams, 50, has been at the helm for the last five seasons. He did not have any prior NHL hockey operations experience prior to his promotion to GM, having worked on the club’s business side after wrapping a 10-year NHL playing career that included a Stanley Cup in 2006.

The Sabres also have associate GM Jason Karmanos, as well as assistant GMs Jerry Forton and Mark Jakubowski, and VP of analytics Sam Ventura working under Adams in their current front office structure. The Buffalo News reported on Wednesday that Karmanos’ future with the organization is uncertain.

Adams previously announced that Lindy Ruff would return for a 17th season as Sabres head coach, the second year in his second stint with the team, and his first that will be fully paid by Buffalo. Ruff’s contract was offset by payment from New Jersey last season, the last year remaining on his deal with the Devils.

Adams has yet to delve into plans on how to improve the Sabres, who have regressed in consecutive seasons from 91 to 84 to 79 points. On March 7, he traded forward Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert and a second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Josh Norris.

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Sources: Sabres have explored adding experienced personnel to front office

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