Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - When new Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen spoke on Tuesday, he said some decisions on his staff will come quickly, and he has stayed true to his word.
The Sabres announced on Sunday the hiring of former Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin to be the team's new associate general manager. In addition, Kekalainen has also brought in Josh Flynn from the Columbus Blue Jackets to serve as an assistant general manager.
"Both Marc Bergevin and Josh Flynn bring a wealth of unique experience and perspective, and I am excited to add them to the Buffalo Sabres organization," said Kekalainen on Sunday in a statement. "Adding both to an already strong group adds versatility, and helps us continue to build a well-rounded hockey operations staff.
"Marc has firsthand experience as an NHL general manager and a track record as a strong talent evaluator at the highest level. His insight will be invaluable as we continue to identify and develop talent throughout the organization.
"Josh’s strength lies within salary cap management, analytics, contract negotiations, and scouting. Having worked alongside him in Columbus for many years, I know that his attention to detail and nuanced understanding of league processes will help to enhance how we support our broader organization."
Bergevin has spent the past five-and-a-half seasons with the Los Angeles Kings as a senior advisor. He also spent nine years leading the Canadiens as their general manager.
After being drafted in the third round of the 1983 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, Bergevin made the team in the 1984-85 season. He retired following the 2003-04 season after a brief period with the Vancouver Canucks.
Bergevin also played for the New York Islanders, Hartford Whalers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins. His career spanned 1,191 NHL games.
The defenseman won the Stanley Cup once in 2010 with Chicago as their director of player personnel. He also served as an assistant coach, scout and assistant general manager with the Hawks.
Kekalainen is very familiar with Flynn, as he worked with him when he was the general manager of the Blue Jackets. The things Flynn did for the Blue Jackets are the exact same things assistant general manager Mark Jakubowski has been doing for the Sabres.
The Sabres will attempt to win their sixth-straight game Sunday in New Jersey against the Devils. The last time the Sabres have won six-straight contests was back on Dec. 31, 2022.
Devils team reporter Amanda Stein is reporting that forwards Jack Hughes and Timo Meier will be making their returns to the New Jersey lineup on Sunday. Hughes missed 18 games after finger surgery, while Meier has been gone for personal reasons.
Back on Nov. 28, Jake Allen shut out the Sabres, 5-0, in Buffalo. He’ll be back in net again on Sunday. He’s 10-7-0 this season with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
Brian Koziol and myself at 6:45 p.m. after the Buffalo Bills game against the Cleveland Browns.
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