Sabres fire associate GM Jason Karmanos as Jarmo Kekalainen makes first significant change

Jarmo Kekalainen is already making his presence felt as general manager of the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres announced Saturday that they’ve fired associate general manager Jason Karmanos, just days after Kekalainen took over for Kevyn Adams in the top GM role.

Karmanos also served as general manager of the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans.

The 59-year-old Kekalainen had previously worked as the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets before he was fired in February of 2024.

He joined the Sabres in May as a senior advisor.

Winners of four straight games, the Sabres are looking to turn their 2025-26 season around as they sit in last place in the Atlantic Division with a 15-14-4 record.

Buffalo hasn’t made the playoffs in an NHL record 14 seasons.

The Sabres host the New York Islanders on Saturday.