Can Jarmo Kekalainen finally be the key to unlocking the Buffalo Sabres' potential? That's the question on everyone's mind after the recent hiring of the new General Manager, as NHL Network analyst E.J. Hradek weighs in on the "NHL @TheRink" podcast.
Hradek believes Kekalainen's experience is exactly what the Sabres need, highlighting his immediate focus on winning the Stanley Cup. "Isn't that the statement everybody should make when they take over a professional sports team; like we're not here just to be good, to be OK, we're here to get to the ultimate place and to win the Stanley Cup -- that should be the mission statement for every professional sprots team, to win the championship,” Hradek said. This bold statement sets the tone, especially considering the Sabres' current struggles. They haven't made the playoffs since 2011, marking the longest postseason drought in the league.
Kekalainen himself echoed this sentiment, stating that the goal is not just to make the playoffs, but to build a championship team. Hradek sees promise in the Sabres, believing they have the foundational elements to become a contender. He's particularly impressed with their defensive lineup, singling out Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Bowen Byram, and Mattias Samuelsson as a top-tier defensive group. The Sabres have had a rotating carousel of goalies with Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but Hradek doesn't think goaltending is an issue. He also said the forward group, led by Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, should give Buffalo a chance to improve.
But here's where it gets controversial... the Sabres are currently last in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Columbus Blue Jackets by two points. Hradek suggests that a long-standing "culture thing" might be holding them back, and that Kekalainen's experience could be the solution.
And this is the part most people miss... Hradek emphasizes Kekalainen's extensive experience as a General Manager, a quality lacking in previous hires under the team's ownership. He points out that Kekalainen held the same role with the Blue Jackets from 2013-24, navigating various situations with players and team performance. This history provides a solid foundation for his work in Buffalo.
What do you think? Do you agree with Hradek's assessment of the Sabres' potential? Will Kekalainen's experience make a difference? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The conversation also touches on other NHL topics, including the impact of Quinn Hughes on the Minnesota Wild, goalie swaps, and the performance of other teams and players. The "NHL @TheRink" podcast is available on all podcast platforms, NHL.com, and the NHL app.
