The Sabres GM and Front Office Thread, Eric Staal hired as Special Asst. to the GM; Jarmo Kekäläinen hired as Senior Advisor

[TageGod]

The lease was on the KBC center was also set to run out in 2026.

Then Erie County said, actually we're done now.

I wouldn't be shocked if 2026 was circled on the calendar as a possible sell by date for Ter Bear.

The team is his toy he won't sell. Maybe at some point he passes it to his family.

 

[May Day 10]

I'm confused at what even are the positions in management with the Sabres.. what is a special assistant and what is his job duties? What is a senior advisor? Is that a new term for team President?

I'm still trying to figure out what Adams duties are after 5 years and now there are more names and titles being added.

I think it is a general philosophy of that sock-head owner that everyone is welcome to weigh in on many areas. Hence, the report that Appert has been more intimately involved with scouting and roster construction and also on video at the deadline war room and such. You see a lot of these staff/managers jump around from one realm to another, like Nightingale and Crowe. Don't forget Ruff's influence too, as well as previously mentioned sock-head owner. Lots of collaboration.
Staal is just another voice. Maybe he will do it unbathed from his couch, slumped over and mumbling like his introductory video, but the first idea that Pegula feels is a good one, he is going to rocket up the ladder.

 

[Chainshot]

I have no idea where to throw this, but Brijesh Patel is a guy that I would LOVE to see get the S&C job.

He is a Mike Boyle guy and has been the S&C guy at Quinnipiac for a long time. He is one of the reasons why they have developed into a top tier hockey program.

And BTW, that podcast is by Kevin Neeld, who is the S&C coach for the Boston Bruins.

At this point, they will hire whoever is nearby. Send them your resume.

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

Literally, nothing ever changes in Buffalo under Pegula. This is the reality. The big hire is a guy with zero management experience who is a buddy of Kevyn Adams. Sure, it could work out, but it's not a move made by a professional organization. Somehow, Seth Appert gets more responsibility. Like, based on what? The strength and conditioning coach walks the plank for everything wrong with the team? What are the odds he was starved of resources to do his job. I bet high.

 

[Chainshot]

Elsewhere -

 

[OkimLom]

Literally, nothing ever changes in Buffalo under Pegula. This is the reality. The big hire is a guy with zero management experience who is a buddy of Kevyn Adams. Sure, it could work out, but it's not a move made by a professional organization. Somehow, Seth Appert gets more responsibility. Like, based on what? The strength and conditioning coach walks the plank for everything wrong with the team? What are the odds he was starved of resources to do his job. I bet high.

Thing is, there are plenty of guys that get hired into positions that they might be underqualified for. The NHL is known as the Old Boys Club for decades now, for a reason. It's really not out of the realm of being surprised. It's how guys get their foot in the door for future jobs.

But the problem with the Sabres doing it, is that they haven't been successful in their current structure and they continue to lean into the lack of experience/qualifications decision making of important areas/roles of the organization, when everything and everyone is screaming that experience is necessary to help in correcting the ship.

And Terry is still treating the personnel structure within the franchise's management team like it's a business relationship dynamic, which sure there is a layer to it, but there are many layers that are outside the business scope that is more important to have in place to run a successful HOCKEY team. It's no shock that Adams was Terry's pick for his next GM because Adams was coming from the business side of management, and not the hockey department (even if he had that experience). Buffalo continuing to make decisions to bolster their relationship flow of their organization, but is doing nothing to address the Hockey Department Management experience which they sorely need is not shocking in the bit.

 

[OkimLom]

Literally, nothing ever changes in Buffalo under Pegula. This is the reality. The big hire is a guy with zero management experience who is a buddy of Kevyn Adams. Sure, it could work out, but it's not a move made by a professional organization. Somehow, Seth Appert gets more responsibility. Like, based on what? The strength and conditioning coach walks the plank for everything wrong with the team? What are the odds he was starved of resources to do his job. I bet high.

The Strength and Conditioning Coach was with Buffalo for 10 years (since 2015). IMO, there was a lot of issues with the conditioning of the players lasting full games or even showing up consistently for years, and a lot of issues with players being out longer than anticipated. It was probably a position/role within the organization that needed to be changed or looked at to be improved eventually. Whether that happens is a different question/answer.

 

[BFLO]

It's been pretty clear that Lindy and Adams' contracts expiring simultaneously in 2026 makes that the decision point.

He certainly had pressure last year, but to me it's disingenuous to say last year felt as last chance-y as this does. But the trauma of the doomer kind of muds up everything.

Point remains, he'll be acting this summer as if his job depends on it.

Every year feels more last chance-y than the year before, because how could they possibly bring him back again if the team gets worse? Yet they've done it twice now.

What pressure last year? He just failed to make the playoffs again and regressed in points again and he got to stick around.

He'll be acting this summer as if his job depends on it... Year 6 is when you think he will finally act like his job is dependent on it? You don't see a problem with that?

 

[toddkaz]

So Adams hired Eric Staal who has no experience as a GM or assistant GM.

My bet is that senior advisor will also have no GM or POHO experience.

This franchise is a joke.

 

[OkimLom]

So Adams hired Eric Staal who has no experience as a GM or assistant GM.

My bet is that senior advisor will also have no GM or POHO experience.

This franchise is a joke.

The Senior Advisor answers TO Adams, if one is to believe the rumors...That sounds like the advisor is already handcuffed.

 

[TehDoak]

My sincere hope is that interviewing with Senior Advisors, Pegula hears some different perspectives on how a front office is run and decides on more changes.

My initial impression is that this is more about checking boxes to appease fans than any actual changes. I don't expect Staal to be seen a lot except in some offseason propaganda videos. (I expect him to be present at the draft and likely the start of the season. and not a lot after that) The way the senior advisor has been described (as someone who reports to Kevyn), it feels like this will almost be phone consults when Kevyn has questions.

They are clearly shooting themselves in the foot with bringing back Adams, I'll reserve judgement on these "hires" until we see how its being used in practicality. But...the big error has already been made. This is akin to picking the stereo for your 2 seat sports car when you need to move a family of six. Sure, you can pick a nice stereo, but whats the point when the car won't do what you need it to do.

 

[toddkaz]

The Senior Advisor answers TO Adams, if one is to believe the rumors...That sounds like the advisor is already handcuffed.

It pretty much makes Adams POHO so I do believe the rumors.

It really sounds like Pegula is setting it up for Adams to be president so everyone would answer to him anyways if he was moved to POHO.

I wonder if Eric Staal will take over as GM after this year.

I have a feeling that will be the moves next year.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I have volunteered to serve as the Deputy Vice President to the Senior Advisor to the General Manager.

As my first move, KeyBank Arena will now be sponsored by Roto-Rooter Plumbing. We re-open RRPA next fall. For short, we will affectionately refer to the arena as "The Crapper."

 

[OkimLom]

It pretty much makes Adams POHO so I do believe the rumors.

It really sounds like Pegula is setting it up for Adams to be president so everyone would answer to him anyways if he was moved to POHO.

I wonder if Eric Staal will take over as GM after this year.

I have a feeling that will be the moves next year.

I doubt Eric is named GM after this year (but it's not out of the realm with this organization). I'm thinking he becomes the next in line for Rochester GM if, again you are to believe the rumors, that spot being left open after this year and Seth maybe getting some time in that position/role temporary.

I think in 2-5 Years, IF they keep the guys here:

Adams - POHO
Seth - GM
Staal - Rochester GM

But that's their mess to figure out, and I won't be along for the ride if that happens so whatever happens, happens.

 

[OkimLom]

I have volunteered to serve as the Deputy Vice President to the Senior Advisor to the General Manager.

As my first move, KeyBank Arena will now be sponsored by Roto-Rooter Plumbing. We re-open RRPA next fall. For short, we will affectionately refer to the arena as "The Crapper."

the lower bowl will known as the Toilet Bowl, and All seats will be white (to start)

 

[Chainshot]

I have volunteered to serve as the Deputy Vice President to the Senior Advisor to the General Manager.

As my first move, KeyBank Arena will now be sponsored by Roto-Rooter Plumbing. We re-open RRPA next fall. For short, we will affectionately refer to the arena as "The Crapper."

Figure the rink will just be called "The Drain" in that case.

 

[hizzoner]

The important positions are first who decides on the players to be drafted/signed as FAs/brought on in trades and then the head coach. Adams has had years to decide on who he wants playing for the team--basically undersized players who run up a lot of points playing against other teenagers with few if any who being drafted who have made enough of a difference in the NHL. We all appreciate the smaller gifted players but they are not all Marner, P. Kane or Hutson. Looking at how the game is played today you need more bigger aggressive players than we have been drafting-I hope this changes this year. Sometimes players with a little less skill can mesh together better as a team because they are coachable, have hockey sense and hustle every shift.

 

[THUNDERBURST]

Adams - POHO
Seth - GM
Staal - Rochester GM

 

[Beerz]

I have volunteered to serve as the Deputy Vice President to the Senior Advisor to the General Manager.

As my first move, KeyBank Arena will now be sponsored by Roto-Rooter Plumbing. We re-open RRPA next fall. For short, we will affectionately refer to the arena as "The Crapper."

Already ordered my "bowl" seats.

 

[Beerz]

Terry wants to "like" the people who work for him...this is his downfall. He wants good people.. I get it.

He should find a POHO guy that he likes and trusts and let him deal with all the GMs and coaches and staff. Just stay out of all of that BS. Nice guys finish last.

You can talk everyday with the POHO and feel involved all you want.

 

[TehDoak]

The important positions are first who decides on the players to be drafted/signed as FAs/brought on in trades and then the head coach. Adams has had years to decide on who he wants playing for the team--basically undersized players who run up a lot of points playing against other teenagers with few if any who being drafted who have made enough of a difference in the NHL. We all appreciate the smaller gifted players but they are not all Marner, P. Kane or Hutson. Looking at how the game is played today you need more bigger aggressive players than we have been drafting-I hope this changes this year. Sometimes players with a little less skill can mesh together better as a team because they are coachable, have hockey sense and hustle every shift.

I honestly think the draft strategy is the biggest example of lack of 'adults in the room'

Teams will come up with a scoring system for players when making draft boards. This was probably done with analytics in minds. Its obvious their scoring system has a bias towards speedy scoring forwards. Which led to an absolute glut of undersized similarly sized forwards...because while other teams were considering size, d-men, goalies, other things on their draft boards, especially as you got to the 2nd and 3rd rounds, they felt these 'highly ranked' players were dropping to them....because they failed into account that you need more than one type of player to win games. There were a few years in a row where Adams says he was trying to trade up to get a guy at the end of the 1st round and was shocked that they fell to him. It was obvious their draft boards were wildly different than everyone else's.

Looking at Adams drafts:

2020; 4 F, 1 D
2021: 10 F, 1 D
2022: 8 F, 2 D, 1 G

So in 3 years, he selected 22F, 4D d-men, 1 goalie. And sure, certain draft classes will have biases in them in terms of quality of players there. but drafting F to D at a six to 1 ratio over 3 years is obviously a mistake that anyone with a twinge of common sense can see.

At some point they were made aware of the errors of their ways, because the 2023 draft they picked 4D, 3F, 1 G, and in 2024 they went 4 D, 3 F, 1 G. So obviously there is a bit of over correction happening now.

But there are so many examples of just dumb errors happening under the Adams front office. And I think most of it can be explained by a simple "nobody knows what they are doing". Their processes are broken. Its a owner and GM, both of whom have never built a winning team, essentially "faking it till you make it" while the fans have to suffer through over a decade of incompetence.

 

[joshjull]

Here is a current list of updates from today with sources.

UPDATES From 5-7

-Adams staying as GM originally reported by Peters/Rivet 5-6, confirmed by Friedman today
-Eric Staal hired as Special Assistant to Kevin Adams per Sabres
-Senior Advisor with front office/GM experience expected to be hired (Friedman)
-Karmanos leaving at end of AHL season (Lance)
-Appert staying on and given MORE responsibility in the hockey department (Seravalli)
-Strength and conditioning Coach Ed Gannon has been let go. A replacement is to follow (Lance)

Is Seravalli the only source on the Appert news? If so, I’m going keep hoping it’s not true. At least until that’s confirmed elsewhere. Then the sadness can fully settle in.

 

[Selanne00008]

They have to be TRYING to be insultingly terrible, right? This has to be on purpose?

Gavin McKenna guys. I know the 'tank' didn't work a DECADE ago. But I believe by November I am going to be pulling for L's.
Question is when the Sabres finish dead last and lost the lotto, is there anyone else 2nd or 3rd overall that's an Eichel like consolation prize.

Pham on wgr
Been told Rick Dudley would be interested in the Sabres GM job if Kevin Adams was not there
Maybe he might take the Senior Advisor job to get him in the door now if Adams is not extended next season.

Compares Staal hire to Daniele Briere initially in Philly

And how is that working out for them? (not a question for you specifically. Just saying...)

Dudley would be a nice get.

 

[DapperCam]

My sincere hope is that interviewing with Senior Advisors, Pegula hears some different perspectives on how a front office is run and decides on more changes.

My initial impression is that this is more about checking boxes to appease fans than any actual changes. I don't expect Staal to be seen a lot except in some offseason propaganda videos. (I expect him to be present at the draft and likely the start of the season. and not a lot after that) The way the senior advisor has been described (as someone who reports to Kevyn), it feels like this will almost be phone consults when Kevyn has questions.

They are clearly shooting themselves in the foot with bringing back Adams, I'll reserve judgement on these "hires" until we see how its being used in practicality. But...the big error has already been made. This is akin to picking the stereo for your 2 seat sports car when you need to move a family of six. Sure, you can pick a nice stereo, but whats the point when the car won't do what you need it to do.

If the org thinks any Sabres fan wants to see Staal in any propaganda videos, then they are truly completely out of touch. He is basically a Sabres villain between the ECF and his no-show as a player here (not to mention some of his private opinions that many people don’t like).

It would be like hiring Darcy Tucker or Tie Domi to be a PR person for the Sabres. Just brain dead decision making.

 

[joshjull]

If the org thinks any Sabres fan wants to see Staal in any propaganda videos, then they are truly completely out of touch. He is basically a Sabres villain between the ECF and his no-show as a player here (not to mention some of his private opinions that many people don’t like).

It would be like hiring Darcy Tucker or Tie Domi to be a PR person for the Sabres. Just brain dead decision making.

But he’s Kev bestest friend. Isn’t that what really matters