Buffalo discusses Kevin Adams’ future amid rough start
The Buffalo Sabres may be approaching a key intersection in their front office, reports indicate, internal discussions regarding the future of general manager Kevin Adams have begun.
According to Matthew Fairburn and Tim Graham of the Athletics, the organization has began discussions about removal Adams from the GM role, though no formal decision is expected until the team completes its current run in the Western Conference.
“The Buffalo Sabers have had internal discussions about firing general manager Kevin Adams, three NHL sources told The Athletic,” the report said, a development that comes amid another disappointing start to the season.
Buffalo is currently last in the Eastern Conference at 13-14-4, extending a playoff drought that has now reached 14 consecutive seasons, tied for the longest among major North American sports teams.
Adams has a strong relationship with owner Terry Pegula, and that relationship was central to Adams’ promotion in June 2020, when he was unexpectedly elevated from senior vice president of business administration following the firing of Jason Botterill.
His tenure as GM marked a reshaping of key players. He oversaw blockbusters featuring Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Brandon Montour, Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka, signed Taylor Hall, fired Don Granato and eventually brought Linda Ruff back to the bench.
Adding intrigue to the situation is the presence of Jarmo Kekalainen, who joined Buffalo as a senior advisor in May. The former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager reportedly made a strong impression internally, according to Fairburn and Graham, prompting speculation about a possible succession plan.
With Adams under contract through the 2026-27 season, and key roster decisions looming, including Alex Tuch’s pending free agencyThe Sabers face another defining moment.
For now, their focus is on their next game against the Seattle Kraken (12-11-6) on Sunday night. But, once the journey is over, there could finally be clarity on whether Buffalo stays the course or turns the page again in its long rebuild.
2025-12-13 08:20:00
