Where do Sabres, Kekalainen go from here?
D
Daily Faceoff
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Daily Faceoff. Read the full original article here →
In the wake of the Buffalo Sabres' prolonged NHL playoff drought, new General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen is faced with the challenge of rejuvenating a franchise that last tasted playoff action in 2011. The team has shown glimpses of promise, most notably through standout performances by Rasmus Dahlin and Casey Mittelstadt, but inconsistencies have hampered their progress. As Kekalainen steps into his role, he is keen on leveraging his extensive experience in the league to identify strategic moves that could help transform the Sabres into a playoff contender.
Kekalainen's approach includes assessing the current roster's dynamic and identifying key areas that need bolstering, whether through trades or the free-agent market. The Sabres have an impressive young core, but Kekalainen recognizes that they need complementary players to support their growth. Balancing the introduction of new talent with the existing players' development will be crucial in the coming seasons.
Moreover, the management’s focus extends beyond just immediate performance; it involves building a culture of winning. Kekalainen plans to foster an environment where accountability and teamwork are prioritized, ensuring that players such as Dahlin and Mittelstadt can thrive. As the Sabres prepare for what could be a pivotal offseason, fans are hopeful that this new direction will finally break the playoff barrier that has loomed for over a decade.
Kekalainen's approach includes assessing the current roster's dynamic and identifying key areas that need bolstering, whether through trades or the free-agent market. The Sabres have an impressive young core, but Kekalainen recognizes that they need complementary players to support their growth. Balancing the introduction of new talent with the existing players' development will be crucial in the coming seasons.
Moreover, the management’s focus extends beyond just immediate performance; it involves building a culture of winning. Kekalainen plans to foster an environment where accountability and teamwork are prioritized, ensuring that players such as Dahlin and Mittelstadt can thrive. As the Sabres prepare for what could be a pivotal offseason, fans are hopeful that this new direction will finally break the playoff barrier that has loomed for over a decade.