BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Sabres have added NHL veteran Eric Staal to the front office as a special assistant to general manager Kevyn Adams, his former teammate with the Carolina Hurricanes.
“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,” Adams stated in Staal’s hiring announcement Wednesday. “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’s 19-year NHL career included 32 games with the Sabres during the 2020-21 season, Adams’ first as GM. Drafted second overall in 2003, Staal became a captain for the Hurricanes, winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 playing with Adams. Staal also helped Canada win gold medals at the 2007 World Championships and 2010 Olympics to join the sport’s exclusive “Triple Gold Club.” He played in six All-Star Games and ranks among the top 100 all-time in games played (1,365), points (1,063), goals (455) and assists (608).
“Although it was short, 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.”
Staal will assist Adams with scouting and have direct involvement with Sabres players and prospects, according to the news release.
“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.
Buffalo is in the throes of a 14-year playoff drought, the longest in NHL history. Regressing to a losing record in Adams’ fifth year as GM, the organization has been criticized for not having enough experienced personnel in the hockey operations department.
Staal retired in 2023 after playing one season with the Florida Panthers. He also spent part of his career with the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens. Staal played his first 11 seasons with the Hurricanes, who retired his jersey No. 12 in January.
***
Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.