The Buffalo Sabres were expected to make some changes to their coaching and management staff in the wake of their 14th straight season missing the playoffs, and on Wednesday, the club announced the hiring of former Sabre Eric Staal as a special assistant to GM Kevyn Adams.
The 18-year NHL veteran played the majority of his NHL career with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2006. He also played with the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers, and 32 games with the Sabres in 2020-21.
“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,” Adams said in a press release. “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.”
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The move marks the first made by the Sabres since the end of the regular season, but signifies that Adams position as the club’s GM is safe, since they are bringing in his teammate from the 2006 Cup-winning Hurricanes as an advisor. It is possible that Staal, with his long history and many connections in the league, is being brought in to help recruit players to Buffalo.
“I loved my time in Buffalo, and 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,” Staal said. “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.”
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