Former Buffalo Sabres Head Coach Don Granato who was fired Has Called Back to Represent Kevyn Adams as General manager of the Buffalo Sabers Because…
In a surprising twist that few saw coming, the Buffalo Sabres have named former head coach Don Granato as their new General Manager, less than a year after relieving him of his coaching duties. The decision, announced Tuesday morning by team president Kim Pegula, marks a bold and unconventional move aimed at restoring stability and vision to a franchise that has struggled to find its footing in recent years.
Granato, 57, will take over the GM role from Kevyn Adams, who stepped down earlier this month citing “personal reasons and a desire for new challenges.” While speculation had been swirling about possible successors—including external candidates and front-office executives from other NHL franchises—the return of Granato caught many off guard.
“Don understands this organization from the inside out,” said Pegula during a press conference held at KeyBank Center. “He has the respect of our players, the knowledge of our system, and a deep passion for where this team can go. We believe he is uniquely positioned to lead us into the next phase of Sabres hockey.”
A Full-Circle Return
Granato coached the Sabres from 2021 to 2024, initially taking over as interim head coach before being signed to a long-term deal. Despite earning praise for his player development work—particularly with young stars like Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, and Rasmus Dahlin—he was let go after the Sabres failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season under his leadership.
Still, sources close to the team say Granato maintained a strong relationship with the front office, including Adams. The two often shared a collaborative approach to roster-building, player evaluation, and long-term planning.
“It’s rare to see a coach make the jump directly to general manager, especially with the same team that let him go,” said NHL analyst Emily Kaplan. “But Granato has always had a mind for the bigger picture. He was involved in scouting, player development, and had a vision that went beyond game nights.”
Why Granato?
According to team insiders, the Sabres’ ownership group had been increasingly focused on finding a GM who could blend hockey intellect with emotional intelligence—a leader capable of earning player trust while navigating the complex dynamics of modern roster construction.
“Don was always more than just a bench boss,” said former Sabres assistant Matt Ellis. “He knew the pipeline, he knew the prospects, and he never stopped thinking three steps ahead.”
Granato himself acknowledged the unusual nature of the transition in a prepared statement.
“When I left as head coach, I thought my time in Buffalo might be over,” Granato said. “But this organization, this city—it stays with you. I’ve always believed in what we were building here. When the opportunity came to return and continue shaping that future, I didn’t hesitate.”
What Comes Next?
One of Granato’s first tasks will be hiring a new head coach, with the NHL Draft and free agency fast approaching. Sources say he has already begun interviewing candidates and reaching out to potential additions to the front office.
There is speculation that Granato may lean toward someone with a development-first mindset, possibly even looking to the AHL or junior ranks for fresh leadership. Additionally, his appointment could influence the team’s draft strategy, as he is known to favor skill, hockey IQ, and high-character players.
Granato also inherits a team at a crossroads. With a strong core of young talent but little playoff experience, the Sabres must now transition from rebuilding to contending—something that has eluded them for over a decade.
“I’m not here to reinvent everything overnight,” Granato said. “We have the talent. What we need now is the cohesion, the consistency, and the belief that we belong among the NHL’s best. That starts with the right structure—from the front office to the ice.”
Fan Reaction Mixed but Hopeful
Reaction from the Sabres’ fan base has been mixed but largely optimistic.
“It’s weird, but I’m intrigued,” said longtime fan Erica Hollander. “I thought Granato got a raw deal as coach. If he’s the guy Adams trusted most, maybe he really can pull it all together.”
Others expressed cautious optimism, pointing to the Sabres’ long playoff drought and a need for fresh ideas.
“Let’s just hope this isn’t another case of recycling the same voices,” said Twitter user @BuffaloBringsIt. “But hey, the guy knows the players. That counts for something.”
For now, Don Granato is back in Buffalo—only this time, he’ll be calling the shots from the executive suite. And with a pivotal offseason ahead, all eyes will be on how the former coach builds the team he once led behind the bench.
Leave a Reply