Buffalo, NY – The recent appointment of Jarmo Kekalainen as the Buffalo Sabres' new general manager has sent ripples throughout the hockey world, and an intriguing possibility has emerged: a reunion with a familiar coaching face. While Kekalainen has stated that the entire organization is under evaluation, including current head coach Lindy Ruff, whispers of a potential coaching change are growing louder.
Kekalainen, who took over as the Sabres' GM on Monday after the dismissal of Kevyn Adams, brings a wealth of experience to Buffalo, having previously served as the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets for over a decade. His arrival has sparked speculation about whether he will seek to bring in his own coaching staff, potentially setting the stage for a reunion with a coach from his past.
Lindy Ruff is currently in his second stint as Sabres coach after being hired on April 22, 2024. While Kekalainen has acknowledged his good relationship with Ruff, he has stopped short of guaranteeing Ruff's future with the team, emphasizing that a comprehensive evaluation is underway. Ruff's current record with the Sabres is 50-53-11, a significant decline from his first stint with the team from 1997 to 2013, where he had a 571-432-78-84 record.
One name that has surfaced in connection with the Sabres' coaching position is that of Craig Berube. Berube, a veteran coach with a Stanley Cup-winning pedigree from his time with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, is currently available. He was let go by the Blues in December 2023. His ability to connect with players and instill accountability and structure could be appealing to the Sabres, who, according to Adams, are craving those qualities.
Other potential candidates that have been mentioned include Bruce Boudreau, Gerard Gallant and Claude Julien.
Kekalainen's history suggests he isn't afraid to make bold moves. He emphasized that his ultimate goal is to build a championship team and is not interested in short term solutions. He has been granted full autonomy over hockey operations by Sabres owner Terry Pegula.
The players themselves seem optimistic about Kekalainen's arrival. Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin expressed his excitement about the change in leadership, saying, "I think Jarmo's going to be the one that turns it around". Alex Tuch echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that the team can make the playoffs under Kekalainen's guidance.
As Kekalainen settles into his new role, the decision regarding the coaching staff remains a critical one. Whether he chooses to stick with Ruff, bring in a familiar face like Berube, or explore other options, his choice will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Sabres' future. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction Kekalainen takes as he seeks to end the Sabres' playoff drought and build a team capable of competing for the Stanley Cup.
