Analyzing the Buffalo Sabres’ Need for a Seasoned Hockey Executive

During a recent segment on SportsCenter, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun shared insights with host Jay Onrait regarding potential strategies for revitalizing the struggling Buffalo Sabres. LeBrun emphasized the importance of considering experienced personnel to support General Manager Kevyn Adams, suggesting that bringing in a veteran GM could provide the necessary guidance and perspective to shift the team’s trajectory.

NHLRumors.com Transcriptions

Jay Onrait remarked, “You pointed out the disappointing seasons for teams like the Rangers and Nashville. However, the Buffalo Sabres stand out as perhaps the most underperforming team this season. They entered Monday with a ten-game winless streak. Following an in-person meeting with owner Terry Pegula in Montreal, the team lost to the Canadiens, extending their winless streak to eleven. What are their next steps, and how do they turn the tide?”

Pierre LeBrun responded, “In the wake of the Sabres’ 6-1 loss, it’s clear that other NHL owners observed Terry Pegula’s rare direct engagement with the team and likely thought, ‘I will never address my team like that.’ It’s astonishing to see how the team reacted after such an unprecedented meeting with their owner, which is a rarity in the NHL.

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Digging deeper into this situation, it’s worth noting that this marks the Sabres’ 14th consecutive season without a playoff appearance. In a league characterized by parity, it’s hard to fathom how they haven’t managed to find success over such an extended period. Conversations with other teams reveal that GM Kevyn Adams is open to exploring trades involving significant players, but he is not expected to make hasty decisions. Rather, if someone presents a fair trade, he might consider it.

The Sabres will be evaluating offers until the trade deadline of March 7. However, when reflecting on the Sabres’ ongoing struggles over the past 13 to 14 years, it’s evident that they have been caught in an endless cycle of rebuilding. A critical point worth mentioning is the leadership choices made by Terry Pegula since acquiring the team in 2011, having cycled through three GMs: Tim Murray, Jason Botterill, and Kevyn Adams.

Each of these individuals shares a commonality—they were all first-time NHL GMs. While being a first-time GM doesn’t preclude success—as evidenced by the achievements of Bill Zito in Florida and Kelly McCrimmon in Vegas—Pegula took a considerable risk by repeatedly opting for inexperienced leadership.

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I hesitate to draw direct comparisons, but the Edmonton Oilers were once in a similar position as the Sabres, constantly questioned about when they would emerge from their rebuilding phase. The pivotal moment came with the hiring of Ken Holland over five years ago, which was instrumental for the franchise. While winning the lottery and drafting stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were crucial, Holland’s experience played a significant role in their turnaround.

While I don’t advocate for dismissing Kevyn Adams as GM, it raises the question of why there hasn’t been an effort to supplement his role with experienced advisors. For instance, Vancouver has Jim Rutherford providing guidance to first-time GM Patrick Allvin, and Doug Wilson is advising Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh.

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There are numerous examples where mentorship has proven beneficial for new GMs, and the lack of such support for Kevyn Adams may be a disservice to his development, regardless of one’s opinion on his capabilities as a GM.”

NHLRumors.com Note: If Ken Holland is looking to continue his career as an NHL GM, this could be an ideal scenario for him. He might take on the role of GM or even step into the position of President of Hockey Operations. Another name worth considering, albeit speculative, is Brian Burke.

Burke’s track record with teams like Vancouver, Anaheim, and Pittsburgh demonstrates his capability. Given how things concluded in Pittsburgh, it’s conceivable that he would welcome another opportunity to serve as a GM or President of Hockey Operations in the NHL.