Marc Bergevin and Josh Flynn Join Sabres Front Office

Photo Credit: Sabres.com

Newly hired general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has moved quickly to reshape the Sabres’ front office, bringing in former Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin and longtime hockey operations executive Josh Flynn, the team announced Sunday.

The hires come during Kekalainen’s first week on the job and just one day after he dismissed assistant GM Jason Karmanos.

“They bring a wealth of unique experience and perspective,” Kekalainen said. “Adding both to an already strong group gives us versatility and helps us continue building a well-rounded hockey operations staff.”

Bergevin steps into the associate GM role and will serve as Kekalainen’s top adviser. He arrives in Buffalo after spending parts of the past five seasons as a senior adviser with the Los Angeles Kings.

He best known for his tenure leading the Canadiens from 2012-21, during which Montreal reached the playoffs six times, including a trip to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. His major moves included acquiring Shea Weber in a 2016 blockbuster with Nashville and landing Nick Suzuki from Vegas in the 2018 Max Pacioretty trade.

“Marc has firsthand experience as an NHL general manager and a strong track record as a talent evaluator,” Kekalainen said. “His insight will be invaluable as we continue identifying and developing talent throughout the organization.”

Flynn joins the Sabres as assistant GM after previously working under Kekalainen in Columbus, where he specialized in salary cap management, statistical research, and strategic planning. He is expected to take on a similar portfolio in Buffalo.

“I know his attention to detail and nuanced understanding of league processes will strengthen how we support our broader organization,” Kekalainen added.

Flynn’s responsibilities overlap with those of current assistant GM Mark Jakubowski. With Karmanos’ exit, Jakubowski is expected to shift more heavily toward overseeing the Rochester Americans in the AHL.

Kekalainen has also retained assistant GM Jerry Forton, who continues in his role as the club’s chief amateur scout.

The Sabres are currently 3-0 in the “Jarmo Era” and riding a six‑game winning streak, heading into their final matchup before the Christmas break on Tuesday against their Atlantic Division rivals, the Ottawa Senators.