[Speculation] Jarmo Kekalainen Linked To Hurricanes’ GM Vacancy

[RWJC]

Jarmo Kekalainen Linked To Hurricanes’ GM Vacancy

 

June 3rd, 2024 at 9:24am CST • By Josh Erickson

 

The Hurricanes are considering hiring former Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen to fill their vacancy, reports Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Speaking on the “32 Thoughts” podcast on Monday, Friedman said Kekäläinen is a “contender” for the position. Their GM vacancy was created last month after Don Waddellresigned from his post, joining Columbus to replace Kekäläinen within days.

 

Kekäläinen, 57, is the first external candidate firmly connected to the Carolina opening. He was fired from his post in Columbus in February after 11 years with the organization.

 

It’s unclear if the Hurricanes have obtained permission to interview him from the Blue Jackets yet, but it would make sense as a virtual GM-for-GM trade. Carolina’s assistant GMs under Waddell, Eric Tulsky and Darren Yorke, are also strong contenders to replace Waddell, with the former serving as interim GM in his absence.

 

Notably, Friedman said the candidate pool for Waddell’s replacement isn’t terribly large due to how the organization wants to structure its front office. The team has made it clear to potential candidates that, unlike with other teams, their GM won’t be their sole primary decision-maker. Instead, they’ll work in a more collaborative environment with AGMs and owner Tom Dundon, with their main duties being facilitating communication with other teams.

 

Evidently, that hasn’t scared off Kekäläinen, but Friedman reports it has swayed a few candidates away from having an interest in the role.

It’s also the first opening Kekäläinen has been connected to in earnest since his firing. While it’s been a tough go in Columbus lately, he did oversee the longest sustained period of success in franchise history, helping construct a Jackets roster that made the playoffs four years in a row from 2017 to 2020.

 

With Waddell heading over to Columbus, the Canes are the only team with an active GM vacancy. The Oilers are likely to end up with one after the Stanley Cup Final ends with Ken Holland in the final year of his contract and not expected to return.
 

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2024/06/jarmo-kekalainen-linked-to-hurricanes-gm-vacancy.html#ref=home

[Bob Long]

Why would anyone let this guy run a team again? 

[RWJC]

6 minutes ago, Bob Long said:

Why would anyone let this guy run a team again? 

Notably, Friedman said the candidate pool for Waddell’s replacement isn’t terribly large due to how the organization wants to structure its front office. The team has made it clear to potential candidates that, unlike with other teams, their GM won’t be their sole primary decision-maker. Instead, they’ll work in a more collaborative environment with AGMs and owner Tom Dundon, with their main duties being facilitating communication with other teams.

 

Evidently, that hasn’t scared off Kekäläinen, but Friedman reports it has swayed a few candidates away from having an interest in the role.

It’s also the first opening Kekäläinen has been connected to in earnest since his firing. While it’s been a tough go in Columbus lately, he did oversee the longest sustained period of success in franchise history, helping construct a Jackets roster that made the playoffs four years in a row from 2017 to 2020.

[Bob Long]

2 minutes ago, RWJC said:

Notably, Friedman said the candidate pool for Waddell’s replacement isn’t terribly large due to how the organization wants to structure its front office. The team has made it clear to potential candidates that, unlike with other teams, their GM won’t be their sole primary decision-maker. Instead, they’ll work in a more collaborative environment with AGMs and owner Tom Dundon, with their main duties being facilitating communication with other teams.

 

Evidently, that hasn’t scared off Kekäläinen, but Friedman reports it has swayed a few candidates away from having an interest in the role.

It’s also the first opening Kekäläinen has been connected to in earnest since his firing. While it’s been a tough go in Columbus lately, he did oversee the longest sustained period of success in franchise history, helping construct a Jackets roster that made the playoffs four years in a row from 2017 to 2020.

 

So look past his many blunders so he can work for a meddling owner? 

[RWJC]

Connections. Kek failed in last few years with CBJ, but prior to was regarded as one of the most respected GMs around the league. He’d be a great add to any exec team so long as, like the article states, it’s a collaborative effort. He shouldn’t be handed reigns to any club yet given some recent boneheaded decisions, but his talent and rapport is unquestioned.

[Provost]

Must imagine how bad Benning was that he isn’t in the conversation to run a team again when a bottom of the barrel guy like this is getting interviews.

[canucks curse]

Hahahhhahahah sign him Carolina!!!

[MeanSeanBean]

DO IT THIS IS HOW WE GET NECAS FOR A SONG

[Bob Long]

23 minutes ago, MeanSeanBean said:

DO IT THIS IS HOW WE GET NECAS FOR A SONG

 

running a team by committee, sure thats gotta work. It'll be like handing the reigns to the old CDC.