Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres announced on Wednesday the hiring of Eric Staal to their hockey department. He will serve as the new special assistant to the general manager in Buffalo.
The former Sabres center played 1,365 career games in 18 seasons in the NHL, which includes 32 of those contests with the Sabres during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.
Staal and Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams won a Stanley Cup together playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, but he has no experience in any phases of being in a front office.
"As I looked for ways to enhance our existing staff, I wanted to add somebody to our group that has a fresh perspective and the direct experience of winning at all levels of hockey," said Adams in a team statement on Wednesday. "Eric was one of the first people I thought of when I originally became general manager, so it is fitting that he is the first addition to our organization this offseason. He has done it all as a player and I know his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our team as we look to take the next step."
Staal retired following the 2022-23 season playing for the Florida Panthers. He went to the Stanley Cup Final that season in Sunrise after doing the same thing with the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.
Staal was traded to Buffalo back on Sept. 16, 2020 from the Minnesota Wild for forward Marcus Johansson. It didn’t work out too well, though, and Staal was later sent to Montreal at the NHL Trade Deadline on March 26, 2021 for 2021 third- and fifth-round picks. Staal ended his Sabres tenure with just three goals and seven assists for 10 points
The picks used in the Staal return ended up being forwards Josh Bloom and Viljami Marjala.
Staal spent 909 games with the Canes and 311 games with the Wild. In his career, Staal scored 455 goals and 608 assists for 1,063 points.
Although it was short, Staal says he enjoyed his time in Buffalo
"As a player I was lucky to get a small glimpse of what makes the city such a special place and a terrific sports town," said Staal in a team statement. "Throughout my career, I was fortunate to be on so many successful teams, and I hope I can lean on some of those experiences to help the organization moving forward. I’m thankful to Kevyn for giving me this opportunity and I’m eager to lend my experience to help in any way that I can."
Staal will help Adams in many areas, including scouting and involvement with players and prospects.
Adams is likely not done reshaping his hockey department this offseason.
I have confirmed through a source that the Sabres have let go of the team's director of physical performance and head strengthening coach Ed Gannon.