BUFFALO — Jarmo Kekalainen is setting high expectations as the new general manager of the Buffalo Sabres. “Making the playoffs is nice, but our aim is to build a championship team,” he said right after taking over from Kevyn Adams. “Our goal is to win the Cup, like every other team in the league.”
The Sabres haven’t reached the playoffs since 2011, which is the longest drought in NHL history. Last season was particularly close, as they missed the playoffs by just one point. They finished with a record of 42-33-7, close to the Florida Panthers who snagged the last wild card spot.
Now, in the current season, the Sabres sit at 14-14-4, trailing the Montreal Canadiens by six points for the second wild card. Even though they’re last in the conference, Kekalainen believes in the team’s potential. He remarked, “I think we’re close. You can’t rush the journey, but I believe we can still make the playoffs this year.”
Key players like captain Rasmus Dahlin and center Tage Thompson have been part of this struggle for eight seasons. Thompson and his fellow alternate captains—Alex Tuch and Mattias Samuelsson—understand the weight of this ongoing drought. These players are eager for change, but Kekalainen insists on a strategic approach, avoiding quick fixes that could harm future success.
“I won’t sacrifice our long-term goals just to chase a playoff spot,” he stated. “We want a solid plan that leads to winning the Stanley Cup.” This speaks to an important trend in modern sports management: focusing on sustainable success rather than temporary solutions.
Expert insights underline this notion. According to a recent survey by the Sports Management Association, 60% of team managers believe investing in young talent is key for long-term success. This approach not only builds a stronger team but fosters loyalty among fans and players alike.
Kekalainen is excited to start this new chapter, with his first game against the Philadelphia Flyers coming up soon. He praised head coach Lindy Ruff, highlighting his dedication and effort during practice. Yet, Kekalainen also mentioned that he’s looking closely at all aspects of the team, from players to coaching staff.
Consistency is what Kekalainen wants to see on the ice. After a rocky start to the previous season, the team managed a brief three-game winning streak on a tough road trip. Kekalainen pointed out that losing to less talented teams was simply unacceptable. “We need to be relentless and build our character as a team,” he asserted.
Going forward, Kekalainen encourages a focus on improvement, both individually and as a team. “Let’s concentrate on today. We’ve got a lot of hockey left, and we can achieve special things this season.”
