The Buffalo Sabres announced Wednesday the hiring of Eric Staal as special assistant to the general manager.
Staal, an 18-year veteran, will work directly with General Manager Kevyn Adams in the newly created role. He will assist in all areas of the hockey department, including scouting and direct involvement with players and prospects.
Adams stated he sought to enhance the team's staff with someone offering a fresh perspective and direct experience winning at all levels of hockey. Adams noted Staal was among the first people he considered when he became general manager and is the first addition this offseason.
Staal's impact on NHL scores over nearly two decades is evident in his career statistics. He ranks among the top 100 players all-time in games played with 1,365, goals with 455, assists with 608, and points totaling 1,063.
Among his numerous accomplishments as a player, Staal is a member of the exclusive “Triple Gold Club,” having won a Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and an IIHF World Championship title. He played in six NHL All-Star Games.
Staal played for the Sabres during the 2020-21 season, in addition to stints with the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers. He wore a letter for 12 seasons, including seven as captain of the Hurricanes, who retired his number 12.
Adams and Staal were teammates on the Hurricanes team that won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Adams later acquired Staal in a trade during his tenure as Sabres general manager.
The Sabres are attempting to reverse a 14-season playoff drought, the longest active streak in the NHL.
“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,” Staal said in a statement provided by the team. “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.”
