Buffalo Sabres Bolster Front Office with Experienced NHL Veteran, Signaling a New Era
The Buffalo Sabres are making significant moves to strengthen their front office, and the latest addition is a seasoned professional: Stacy Roest, who joins the team as a pro scout. This decision highlights the Sabres' commitment to building a more experienced and strategic leadership team. But what does this mean for the team's future? Let's dive in.
Roest brings a wealth of knowledge to Buffalo, having spent over a decade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. During his tenure, he held the positions of director of player development and assistant general manager, a role that also saw him serve as the general manager of the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning’s AHL affiliate. This extensive background provides a solid foundation for his new scouting role.
This marks the third key personnel move by General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen since taking the helm last month. He's also brought in former Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin as associate general manager and Josh Flynn, previously an assistant general manager with the Columbus Blue Jackets, to fill the same role with the Sabres. The team's front office is rapidly gaining experience, a stark contrast to the team's management during Kevyn Adams’s time as general manager. This shift could be a game-changer.
A Fresh Perspective on Pro Scouting
Roest's addition comes after Kekäläinen and Bergevin assessed the Sabres' operations and identified a need for enhanced pro scouting. Under the previous regime, Jeremiah Crowe, who lacked prior NHL scouting experience, served as the director of pro scouting. While Crowe remains in his role, the team felt the need for more comprehensive coverage. This is a critical step in ensuring the team's success.
Bergevin explained that Roest's experience and location near Vancouver make him an ideal fit for the pro scouting role, providing additional eyes on potential talent. "He ran Syracuse and was in player development, but since last year, he hasn’t worked because Tampa let him go," Bergevin said. "He’s located out west near Vancouver. So, as far as pro scouting goes for us, it was a good location to have another set of eyes. We’re spread thin on the pro side, we felt. Bringing in Stacy brings us that help.”
Building a Strong Leadership Team
Kekäläinen is building an impressive staff, focusing not only on experience but also on bringing in individuals who can offer diverse perspectives. Interestingly, Kekäläinen and Bergevin didn't have a prior working relationship before joining the Sabres. Their connection grew through general manager meetings and trade negotiations over the years.
Bergevin shared his perspective on negotiating deals with Kekäläinen, describing him as a "good GM" who is "black and white" in his approach. He also mentioned his desire to become a general manager again someday, but he's not rushing the process. His current focus is on evaluating the Sabres' current roster and contributing to the team's long-term strategy.
Staying Grounded Amidst Optimism
While the team's recent winning streak has generated excitement, Bergevin reminds everyone that there's still work to be done. He pointed to the Sabres' 10-game winning streak in 2018 as a reminder that a short-term success doesn't guarantee long-term results. "It’s not the first time they won 10 in a row," Bergevin said. "I’m not sure where they finished that year. It’s positive to win 10 in a row, but it’s a small sample if you look at the big picture. I understand it’s a passionate market … But I’m trying to stay level-headed with where we’re at and where we need to be. We’re not there yet.”
Bergevin, who has only seen the Sabres play five games live, is still in the early stages of evaluating the team. He was drawn to the opportunity because of the core players already in place. "You could ask anybody around the league, it’s always why haven’t they made the playoffs or had success?” Bergevin said. “They have good players, and there’s a reason why, and personally, I don’t know what it is, but that’s one of the reasons they brought me here, to give my views on where the team’s at and where it needs to be.”
The Road Ahead
The Sabres are currently in a playoff position, holding the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With upcoming games against the Flyers and Canadiens, the team's performance will be closely watched. The moves made by the Sabres' front office suggest a strategic plan to build a competitive team.
What do you think about the Sabres' recent hires and their potential impact on the team's future? Do you agree with Bergevin's cautious optimism, or are you more optimistic about the team's chances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
