BUFFALO N.Y. — Although his rebuilding job remains far from finished, Buffalo Sabres General manager Kevyn Adam signed a contract extension Wednesday. This is an indication that the ownership believes he has the franchise in the right direction.
The terms of the extension have not been disclosed. Adams, now in his third year as GM signed the contract as players reported to training camp.
After Jason Botterill’s abrupt dismissal in June 2020, Adams, a former NHL hockey player with no experience in management, was promoted to a job on team’s business side. This has led to significant changes for the team.
Since then, the Sabres has changed coaches from Ralph Krueger and Don Granato. The Sabres also purge much of their core team, highlighted by the deal that sent the captain. Jack Eichel The Vegas Golden Knights November
Adams’ goal was to rebuild the Sabres by bringing in youth and players who value Buffalo. The Sabres are still trying to secure a playoff spot in order to end the 11-year-old postseason drought that has plagued the NHL for the longest time.
Terry Pegula, the owner of the company, stated in a statement that Kevyn’s leadership has been invaluable over the past two seasons. He also expressed confidence in his ability to move the organization forward. Together with the fans and community, I’m happy to see Kevyn keep building a winning culture, both on and off ice.
Last season saw signs of promise for the Sabres, as they closed 12-6-3 and finished with a record of 32-39-11. Buffalo placed fifth in Atlantic Division. This was the team’s highest finish since 2011,12.
Even more important was the fact that the Sabres were led and guided by their children, which included center. Tage ThompsonHe scored 38 goals, a career record. After struggling under Krueger’s tenure, Thompson blossomed in Granato’s tutelage.
Adams’ influence is also evident in the impact on forwards Alex Tuch Peyton Krebs and Peyton Adams were both acquired in the trade to Eichel. Adams also restocked Sabres’ farm with a number of first-round draft selections. He also freed up salary cap space by getting rid of underperforming and overpriced players.
Adams, 47 years old, is a Buffalo native who had a 10 year NHL playing career. He was a Stanley Cup winner in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Adams was briefly an agent before joining the Sabres as a player-development position. He later became an assistant coach. Adams also helped to establish the Sabres-backed Academy of Hockey, and was vice president of business operations for the team when he became general manager.