Sabres hire Eric Staal as special assistant to GM

A decorated player is moving into the front office.

On Wednesday, the Buffalo Sabres announced that former NHLer Eric Staal has been hired as special assistant to the general manager.

The position is a new one for the organization, with Staal’s role consisting of him reporting to general manager Kevyn Adams. The Thunder Bay native will assist in all aspects of the hockey department, which includes involvement with players and prospects, along with scouting.

“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 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.”

Staal spent a small part of his 18-year NHL career in Buffalo, playing 32 games with the Sabres during the 2021 season before he was dealt to the Montreal Canadiens. The 40-year-old says he fondly remembers his short tenure in western New York.

“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.”

Debuting in 2003 with the Carolina Hurricanes, Staal had a decorated NHL career. He helped the Canes win the franchise’s first, and so far only Stanley Cup in 2006. He captained the team from 2009 to 2016 when he was traded to the New York Rangers. He went on to sign with the Minnesota Wild, where he spent four seasons before he was dealt to the Sabres in 2020.

The back nine of Staal’s tenure saw him be on the Canadiens team that made it to the Stanley Cup Final four years ago. After going left unsigned that offseason, he was able to captain Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Staal finished out his career with the Florida Panthers in 2022-23, when the team also made it to the Final.

Staal is one of a select group of players to be part of the Triple Gold Club, having won the Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal in 2010 and IIHF Men’s World Championship gold medal in 2007.