Former NHL forward Eric Staal is returning to the Buffalo Sabres, this time off the ice. The team announced Wednesday that Staal will take on a new role as special assistant to general manager Kevyn Adams.
In this newly created position, Staal will contribute across all areas of the hockey operations department. His appointment follows the team’s end-of-season meetings with owner Terry Pegula. Now 40 years old, Staal retired two years ago after an 18-season NHL career and becomes part of a front office that already includes assistant general managers Jason Karmanos, Mark Jakubowski, and Jerry Forton.
This move reunites Staal with Adams, his former teammate from the 2006 Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes squad. Staal also briefly played for Buffalo in 2021, appearing in 32 games before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens.
“As I looked for ways to enhance our existing staff, I wanted someone with a fresh perspective and firsthand experience winning at the highest levels of hockey,” Adams said. “Eric has accomplished everything as a player – from the Stanley Cup to Olympic and World Championship gold – and his insights will be a valuable asset as we aim to push forward.”
Staal’s addition to the front office comes as Adams navigates growing scrutiny over his five-year tenure as general manager. The Sabres have now missed the playoffs for a record 14 consecutive seasons.
A key figure in Carolina’s history, Staal played 12 seasons with the Hurricanes and is one of only four players to have his number retired by the franchise. His career also included time with the New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and a silver-medal-winning stint with Team Canada in multiple international tournaments.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege to be part of many successful teams,” Staal said. “I hope to draw on those experiences and contribute to the Sabres’ future in a meaningful way.”
