The Buffalo Sabres have hired veteran NHL executive John Davidson as their senior adviser. Davidson, 73, brings extensive experience, having served as president of hockey operations for St. Louis, Columbus, and the New York Rangers for a combined 18 seasons. He will be reunited with Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen, whom Davidson previously hired in Columbus.

This move comes after the Sabres ended an NHL-record 14 seasons without a playoff appearance, reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. Davidson expressed excitement about joining the Sabres, citing the palpable momentum and fan passion in Buffalo.

Earlier on Monday, the Sabres also signed forward Peyton Krebs to a four-year, $18 million contract. Krebs, 25, set career highs last season with 12 goals and 27 assists. The team also traded Tyler Kopff to the Washington Capitals for prospect Zac Funk.