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The Buffalo Sabres hired Eric Staal as a special assistant to the general manager, the team announced Wednesday.

Staal, 40, will report directly to general manager Kevyn Adams. The former will assist in all aspects of the hockey department, including scouting and direct involvement with players and prospects, the Sabres said in a 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. “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 played 18 seasons in the NHL, including part of the 2020-21 campaign with the Sabres. He announced his retirement on July 30, 2024, and signed a ceremonial contract to retire with the Carolina Hurricanes, for whom he played 12 seasons.

“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.”

A Stanley Cup champion with Carolina in 2005-06, Staal totaled 1,063 points (455 goals, 608 assists) in 1,365 career games with the Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers.

–Field Level Media