Report: Sabres discussing replacing GM Adams

The Buffalo Sabres are considering replacing general manager Kevyn Adams, sources told The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn and Tim Graham.

The Sabres will finish a six-game road trip Sunday against the Seattle Kraken, with a final decision on Adams' future expected after the team returns home, sources told Fairburn and Graham.

Adams has been with Buffalo since 2009. The Sabres named him general manager in June 2020, and his contract runs through the 2026-27 campaign.

Buffalo shares the longest active playoff drought among major North American sports teams with the NFL's New York Jets, having missed the postseason for 14 straight years. Currently sitting 27th in the NHL and at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Sabres have finished last, 24th, 20th, 22nd, and 26th under Adams.

Jarmo Kekalainen joined Buffalo's front office as a senior advisor in May. Kekalainen, who served as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets for 11 years before being fired in February 2024, has made a strong impression within the Sabres' organization, sources told Fairburn and Graham.

Adams has made several major moves as Buffalo's general manager, including trading Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Brandon Montour, Dylan Cozens, and J.J. Peterka. He also signed Taylor Hall, hired and fired Don Granato, and brought back Lindy Ruff as head coach.

The Sabres have core players Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Owen Power locked up long-term. Alex Tuch is out of contract at season's end and is one of the top remaining pending unrestricted free agents, while Zach Benson, Josh Doan, and Michael Kesselring need new deals as restricted free agents.