Jarmo Kekalainen is a former professional ice hockey player and current general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born in Finland and began his hockey career playing for TPS Turku in the Finnish Elite League. He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft and played for the Bruins for two seasons before returning to Finland to play for Jokerit Helsinki.

Kekalainen continued to play in Finland for several years before retiring from playing and transitioning to a career in hockey management. He worked as a scout for the Ottawa Senators and then as the director of player personnel for the St. Louis Blues. In 2013, he was hired as the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the first European-born general manager in NHL history.

Under Kekalainen's leadership, the Blue Jackets have made the playoffs four times and advanced to the second round twice. He has been praised for his ability to identify and develop young talent, as well as his willingness to make bold trades and signings to improve the team. He has also been involved in international hockey, serving as the general manager of the Finnish national team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Throughout his career, Kekalainen has been known for his dedication to the game of hockey and his ability to build successful teams. He has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, including being inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

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