'“Hopefully I can be impactful,” said Staal. “That’s the plan. I don’t honestly know a lot about the team in general. I’ve been in the west the last four years, so it’s tough when you’re in a different conference. … I know obviously Jack (Eichel) is elite. There’s also (Jeff Skinner), who I played with in Carolina. There’s guys there that are competitive and great players. For … [Read more...] about 5 takeaways from Eric Staal, who plans to be ‘impactful’ scorer, mentor for young Sabres
Archives for September 2020
Eric Staal shocked by trade to Sabres, excited to play for GM Kevyn Adams
'“The initial shock of everything was the biggest emotion I felt and we felt,” he said. “It’s been a great fit here in Minnesota for me and for my family. We really integrated well and not only on the rink for me, but my kids, my wife, and to me, that’s my most important thing.' … [Read more...] about Eric Staal shocked by trade to Sabres, excited to play for GM Kevyn Adams
Family man Eric Staal shocked at timing of Wild trade to Buffalo
'“It’s definitely a different situation than where I have been,” Staal said. “But I am getting to the latter stages of my career, and I understand that’s sometimes how things go and now it’s a new opportunity and I’ll be ready for it.”' … [Read more...] about Family man Eric Staal shocked at timing of Wild trade to Buffalo
Ex-Red Wing Matt Ellis to develop Sabres' talent in Detroit mold
'"On some teams, a lot of guys do a lot of talking but they don't walk the walk," Ellis said. "They get labelled as heroes because they turn it on and off when the time is right. In Detroit, the guys just did it and it wasn't broadcast all over the place. This is what we do, our habits, our preparation. They aren't necessarily the sexy things, the work, the sacrifice but when … [Read more...] about Ex-Red Wing Matt Ellis to develop Sabres’ talent in Detroit mold
"I can still be an offensive contributor", Eric Staal ready to bring experience to Buffalo
'"Age always seems to be talked about in this line of work," Staal said. "I still feel great, my body feels good, I'm excited every time I go to the rink and compete. I think in the right situation, I can still be an offensive contributor and help my teammates around me be better."' … [Read more...] about “I can still be an offensive contributor”, Eric Staal ready to bring experience to Buffalo
Eric Staal brings veteran leadership to Sabres roster
'“For me, I think I’m just going to be myself coming in and just develop that team atmosphere, that desire to win and compete every night,” said Staal. “The center ice position is very important. Most teams that are successful have that, but to me the biggest reason for success is a team playing like a team. You need commitment from your whole lineup.”' … [Read more...] about Eric Staal brings veteran leadership to Sabres roster
Staal says reuniting with Sabres GM helps with 'shock' of trade from Wild
'"When he became general manager in Buffalo, I sent him a note wishing him the best knowing that he would succeed and do well," the center said of Adams on Friday. "Little did I know he'd be trading for me in two months."' … [Read more...] about Staal says reuniting with Sabres GM helps with ‘shock’ of trade from Wild
'He's just a pro': Skinner looks forward to Staal's impact on Sabres
'"I think that's what separates the best players in the league too, is being able to bring it every night. That's why he's had the success he had, and he's been on the successful teams he's been on and he's been the leader he's been throughout his career is he brings it every night. To be able to bring it every night and compete that hard for that long is probably the most … [Read more...] about ‘He’s just a pro’: Skinner looks forward to Staal’s impact on Sabres
'You could see it right from the get-go': A look back at Jack Eichel's first Sabres' training camp
'“You could see it right from the get-go,” said former Sabres winger Matt Moulson. “The first time you get on the ice with him you could see the skill set that not many people in this world possess. You could definitely see the potential of him becoming the player that he is now just from one skate with him.”' … [Read more...] about ‘You could see it right from the get-go’: A look back at Jack Eichel’s first Sabres’ training camp
Traikos: Addition of Staal should make Sabres a playoff contender
'Like Pavelski, who scored 14 goals and 31 points this season, Staal can still play. He scored 42 goals two years ago and had 19 goals and 47 points in 66 games this season. In Buffalo, he slots in as the No. 2 centre, where he will reunite with Jeff Skinner, his former teammate in Carolina.' … [Read more...] about Traikos: Addition of Staal should make Sabres a playoff contender
Can Eric Staal be the second line centre upgrade Buffalo needs?
'Still, things can go sideways quickly for a 36-year-old player. So, are there any signs that this trade isn’t the massive win it appears to be on the surface for Buffalo?' … [Read more...] about Can Eric Staal be the second line centre upgrade Buffalo needs?
A single step
'With only four forwards under contract as of Thursday - Jack Eichel, Kyle Okposo, Jeff Skinner, and now Staal - there is an awful lot of flexibility for the new general manager.' … [Read more...] about A single step
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Ex-Sabres Adam Mair, Mike Weber ready for new challenge with Amerks (Olean Times Herald) Buffalo Sabres hire Mair, Weber to coach in AHL Rochester (AP) Amerks hire Mair and Weber as assistant coaches (WGR-AM) Amerks add former Sabres to coaching staff (WROC-TV) Amerks name Mair, Weber Assistant Coaches (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
Sabres acquire center Eric Staal from Minnesota for Marcus Johansson
'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.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire center Eric Staal from Minnesota for Marcus Johansson
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 … [Read more...] about Five things about new Sabres center Eric Staal