‘The Sabres were not on Staal’s 10-team no-trade list, which was submitted to the Wild on Tuesday. He and Johansson are set to become unrestricted free agents following the 2020-21 season. Staal, 35, is owed a $3 million salary and will count $3.25 million against the salary cap, a bargain price for a player who should immediately step in as the Sabres’ second-line center.’
Archives for September 17, 2020
Five things about new Sabres center Eric Staal
‘A 16-year veteran, Staal played the last four seasons in Minnesota and the Sabres will be his fourth NHL team. He spent 12 years with Carolina after being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft. He also spent a half-season with the Rangers. In more than 1,200 games, he has 436 goals and 585 assists for 1,021 career points. He is seventh among active players in games and sixth in points.’
Sabres trade Marcus Johansson to Wild for Eric Staal
‘Staal will likely be utilized as the No. 2 center, a position the Sabres have struggled to fill since dealing Ryan O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues in 2018.’
Trading for Eric Staal should be morale boost for Sabres
‘So sending forward Marcus Johansson to the Wild for Staal, 35, should ignite a little optimism within the team and its beleaguered fan base.’
Thursday’s Minnesota Coverage
Wild trades center and fan favorite Eric Staal to Buffalo (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
Wild trade Eric Staal to Sabres for Marcus Johansson (Saint Paul Pioneer Press)
Zulgad: Drastic measures: Wild GM sends message by dealing Eric Staal to Buffalo for Marcus Johansson (KSTP-AM)
Sabres acquire Eric Staal in sending Johansson to Wild
‘“There’s very few players in the league that just from what they’ve done on and off the ice command the respect and have the presence that an Eric Staal does,” he added. “I’ve seen that up close and personal. We added a phenomenal player and person that I’m very excited about.”’
The Eric Staal Trade Helps the Sabres in More Ways Than One
‘Better yet, Staal carries a $3.25-million cap hit , meaning Adams saves $1.25 million by dealing the disappointing Johansson’s $4.5-million cap hit to the Wild.’
Sabres acquire Eric Staal from Minnesota for Marcus Johansson
‘Staal should give the Sabres an upgrade at second line center. He has played the position much more than Johansson has throughout his career.’
Adams focused on putting Sabres in position to be a good team next season
‘A move like this to acquire a veteran player like Staal was something that was in the cards for Adams since he took over the job.’
Sabres acquire Eric Staal for Marcus Johansson in deal with Wild
‘At 35 years old, Staal still has a lot to offer. He’s played 16 seasons in the NHL and last season with the Wild, had 47 points in 66 games.’