Eric Staal hired as a special assistant to Kevyn Adams

[PASabreFan]

15 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Google, it's quicker. 

Yeah but I learned you can use the concave chest of a trucker in Frankfort as a urinal.

The Kentucky Pisspot.

Edited Thursday at 01:57 PM by PASabreFan

[Broken Ankles]

6 minutes ago, WhenWillItEnd66 said:

Ok, so i am going to be the unpopular opinion. I am going to ignore WHO HE IS and WHERE HE CAME FROM!!! Bare with me here.....

He was an exceptional player that played a brand of hockey that this team desperately needs. He is widely respected league wide (With the exception of Buffalo). He is someone OUTSIDE the organization that a lot of folks have been screaming  that we need to add without recycling same people. He is and was a WINNER in every league and tournament he has been in. His knowledge of the game is also highly respected. 

I get his Buffalo tied past. I am sure he knows it as well. How much does that say for an individual that knows he is going to treated like a second class citizen by many fans of the team he joined. I honestly believe this could be a good thing for the organization and for himself. 

I also understand the bias against him. I am a day 1 fan and hate the Lames as well, but he could bring an outsider insight that is highly needed for this team. I am sure i will be lambasted for my thoughts, but does it really hurt? If he can guide our GM to make 10% better decisions to help this team, then it is a win. 

    Nuance is frowned on here.  Suit up in your armor, or colors, or what have you. The SabreSpace leadership has delivered its talking points, so please stay on topic and follow along.   While I disagree with your take, I appreciate the opinion.  An outside perspective is needed, however, Kevyn hasn't earned the opportunity to hire one of his friends, regardless of his playing experience.  A new voice is good, but when the room still has stale air from the same losing leadership, that voice could be drowned out.  

[DarthEbriate]

27 minutes ago, WhenWillItEnd66 said:

Ok, so i am going to be the unpopular opinion. I am going to ignore WHO HE IS and WHERE HE CAME FROM!!! Bare with me here.....

He was an exceptional player that played a brand of hockey that this team desperately needs. He is widely respected league wide (With the exception of Buffalo). He is someone OUTSIDE the organization that a lot of folks have been screaming  that we need to add without recycling same people. He is and was a WINNER in every league and tournament he has been in. His knowledge of the game is also highly respected. 

I get his Buffalo tied past. I am sure he knows it as well. How much does that say for an individual that knows he is going to treated like a second class citizen by many fans of the team he joined. I honestly believe this could be a good thing for the organization and for himself. 

I also understand the bias against him. I am a day 1 fan and hate the Lames as well, but he could bring an outsider insight that is highly needed for this team. I am sure i will be lambasted for my thoughts, but does it really hurt? If he can guide our GM to make 10% better decisions to help this team, then it is a win. 

There are potential positives that he can bring. The main problem is that the role he's hired for is for players to learn the front office/hockey ops. It's an apprentice. He's there to learn from Adams.

In Colorado, it's Andrew Cogliano (retired just last year) -- but Sakic and MacFarland are well-established and have loads of success. But that's a top team.

So, let's do a rebuild team: San Jose. The closest is Patrick Marleau in a "Player Dev and Hockey Ops Advisor" title. But Marleau can learn from a pretty qualified group. Grier has 3 assistant GMs, a Hockey Ops Advisor in Doug Weight who has been a head coach in the NHL and been in front office activities for 6-7ish years already. And then, Grier has 3 senior advisors (Tim Burke who's been around forever and built the excellent Marleau/Pavelski teams; Todd Marchant who had 10 years in the Ducks front office before joining the Sharks in the last couple years; and Ryan Stewart who went from scout to Dir. of Pro Personnel with the Chicago Blackhawks over the course of 15 years).

Edited Thursday at 02:17 PM by DarthEbriate

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, DarthEbriate said:

There are potential positives that he can bring. The main problem is that the role he's hired for is for players to learn the front office/hockey ops. It's an apprentice. He's there to learn from Adams.

In Colorado, it's Andrew Cogliano (retired just last year) -- but Sakic and MacFarland are well-established and have loads of success. But that's a top team.

So, let's do a rebuild team: San Jose. The closest is Patrick Marleau in a "Player Dev and Hockey Ops Advisor" title. But Marleau can learn from a pretty qualified group. Grier has 3 assistant GMs, a Hockey Ops Advisor in Doug Weight who has been a head coach in the NHL and been in front office activities for 6-7ish years already. And then, Grier has 3 senior advisors (Tim Burke who's been around forever and built the excellent Marleau/Pavelski teams; Todd Marchant who had 10 years in the Ducks front office before joining the Sharks in the last couple years; and Ryan Stewart who went from scout to Dir. of Pro Personnel with the Chicago Blackhawks over the course of 15 years).

The position that Staal was hired for is a typical entry level job for a recently retired veteran player that most franchises have. 
 

The advantage of this type of hire is that the new employee knows a lot of current players and is tapped in to a lot of coaches he has been involved with. So he should have a lot of information about other players and whether they would be a good fit if pursued.

People getting upset over such a standard practice/hiring is perplexing to me. (As your post demonstrates, there is nothing novel about this type of hiring.)

[LGR4GM]

So... Staal isn't even moving here, he's just gonna be in and out of town from what's being speculated. What nonsense this is. 

[dudacek]

14 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

So... Staal isn't even moving here, he's just gonna be in and out of town from what's being speculated. What nonsense this is. 

Not that I don’t agree with you, but to be fair that’s not uncommon in NHL circles.

Hasnt everbody’s darling Dudley lived in Buffalo his entire stint with the Panthers and even earlier?

[inkman]

10 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

So... Staal isn't even moving here, he's just gonna be in and out of town from what's being speculated. What nonsense this is. 

Paul Hamilton intimated that some key Sabres personnel, like Jason Karmanos, still live in Pittsburgh.  I’m kinda speechless at this point.  The Sabres don’t require their employees to actually work in the city the team they are contributing to resides in?  Ummm… Maybe the Sabres problems run deeper than we all know.  

[JP51]

22 minutes ago, inkman said:

Paul Hamilton intimated that some key Sabres personnel, like Jason Karmanos, still live in Pittsburgh.  I’m kinda speechless at this point.  The Sabres don’t require their employees to actually work in the city the team they are contributing to resides in?  Ummm… Maybe the Sabres problems run deeper than we all know.  

Oh I dont know that they run deeper... if you think they run a country club that caters to its prima donnas and has zero accountablility...  I think if people thought differently this is a great example...  a part time consultant or a scout on the road I guess ok... an Assistant GM... maybe they should be at the games... like all of them unless there is a conflct... wonder if Face timing Lindy during games is next... just a big ol screen of him yelling at players to be in position while drinking a beer in his back yard...  they do it with their scouting... can this be next... 

[Huckleberry]

57 minutes ago, JP51 said:

Oh I dont know that they run deeper... if you think they run a country club that caters to its prima donnas and has zero accountablility...  I think if people thought differently this is a great example...  a part time consultant or a scout on the road I guess ok... an Assistant GM... maybe they should be at the games... like all of them unless there is a conflct... wonder if Face timing Lindy during games is next... just a big ol screen of him yelling at players to be in position while drinking a beer in his back yard...  they do it with their scouting... can this be next... 

Does it have palm trees ? 

[JP51]

23 minutes ago, Huckleberry said:

Does it have palm trees ? 

I think they are Yucca plants but the look a lot like Palms... lol  but thats how the Sabres play anyways... Yucca... see what I did there.. LOL...  ok ok... I think its bourbon time... I have stopped being funny... 😆

[JP51]

5 hours ago, PASabreFan said:

Yeah but I learned you can use the concave chest of a trucker in Frankfort as a urinal.

The Kentucky Pisspot.

I thought that referred to Willet Pot Still bourbon... they may have that trademarked... LOL  I know!!! The official bourbon of the Sabres! 

Edited Thursday at 06:59 PM by JP51

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

So... Staal isn't even moving here, he's just gonna be in and out of town from what's being speculated. What nonsense this is. 

We have an assist. GM who lives in Pittsburgh.  And the same non-residence applies to many of our scouts. So what's the big deal about him not residing here. 

[PerreaultForever]

2 hours ago, dudacek said:

Not that I don’t agree with you, but to be fair that’s not uncommon in NHL circles.

Hasnt everbody’s darling Dudley lived in Buffalo his entire stint with the Panthers and even earlier?

People can have more than one residence. Lots of players live elsewhere in the off season. I'm sure Dudley had a condo or rented a place down there. You need to find out where his primary residence is for how he handles tax laws 🙂

I couldn't care less where Staal lives, what Staal says or what he does or doesn't do. It's just like Terry told Kevyn to hire an advisor and Kevyn thought who are my friends? Oh I know Eric is out of work he'll do it. We can lunch together on the company tab. 

Clown show. 

[Rasmus_]

If he hires Cam Ward,  Im out. 🤣 

[Brawndo]

10 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

So... Staal isn't even moving here, he's just gonna be in and out of town from what's being speculated. What nonsense this is. 

All he needs to learn while in the Sabres Organization are the following phrases: 

Yes Terry! 
 

Absolutely Mr Pegula! 
 

What didn’t I think of that Terry? 
 

That’s a great idea Mr Pegula, had we used that in Carolina I would have six rings instead of one! 

[Pimlach]

On 5/8/2025 at 8:33 AM, PASabreFan said:

OK, I'm on urbandictionary.com right now.

Good to have the real @PASabreFan back, Stoner was a diversion, but the original is best. 

 

[inkman]

23 hours ago, JP51 said:

Oh I dont know that they run deeper... if you think they run a country club that caters to its prima donnas and has zero accountablility...  I think if people thought differently this is a great example...  a part time consultant or a scout on the road I guess ok... an Assistant GM... maybe they should be at the games... like all of them unless there is a conflct... wonder if Face timing Lindy during games is next... just a big ol screen of him yelling at players to be in position while drinking a beer in his back yard...  they do it with their scouting... can this be next... 

There aren’t enough emojis for me to use to express my feelings on it.  Just outstanding. And super sad statement about the current state of affairs.  

[That Aud Smell]

On 5/8/2025 at 9:56 AM, PASabreFan said:

Yeah but I learned you can use the concave chest of a trucker in Frankfort as a urinal.

Cozens out there doing long haul?

On 5/8/2025 at 1:06 PM, inkman said:

Paul Hamilton intimated that some key Sabres personnel, like Jason Karmanos, still live in Pittsburgh.  I’m kinda speechless at this point.  The Sabres don’t require their employees to actually work in the city the team they are contributing to resides in?  Ummm… Maybe the Sabres problems run deeper than we all know.  

I recalled coming to this understanding as well - fairly recently. I take it as a fact that Karmanos (and maybe others) still live(s) in the Pittsbugh area.

[Weave]

40 minutes ago, That Aud Smell said:

Cozens out there doing long haul?

 

[FrenchConnection44]

On 5/8/2025 at 8:49 AM, WhenWillItEnd66 said:

Ok, so i am going to be the unpopular opinion. I am going to ignore WHO HE IS and WHERE HE CAME FROM!!! Bare with me here.....

He was an exceptional player that played a brand of hockey that this team desperately needs. He is widely respected league wide (With the exception of Buffalo). He is someone OUTSIDE the organization that a lot of folks have been screaming  that we need to add without recycling same people. He is and was a WINNER in every league and tournament he has been in. His knowledge of the game is also highly respected. 

I get his Buffalo tied past. I am sure he knows it as well. How much does that say for an individual that knows he is going to treated like a second class citizen by many fans of the team he joined. I honestly believe this could be a good thing for the organization and for himself. 

I also understand the bias against him. I am a day 1 fan and hate the Lames as well, but he could bring an outsider insight that is highly needed for this team. I am sure i will be lambasted for my thoughts, but does it really hurt? If he can guide our GM to make 10% better decisions to help this team, then it is a win. 

I'm down with this hire. He was near his last legs on a flawed team with a minor league coach when he was here. I'd prefer Jordan Staal but I'll take him. He's been in many a playoff and won the Stanley Cup with Carolina. 

And he knows the league. 

Better than not hiring someone. 

[Pimlach]

On 5/8/2025 at 12:05 PM, dudacek said:

Not that I don’t agree with you, but to be fair that’s not uncommon in NHL circles.

Hasnt everbody’s darling Dudley lived in Buffalo his entire stint with the Panthers and even earlier?

True but Dudley is 76 years old, has NHL coaching/GM/POHO experience, and held consulting/advising executive positions on at least 8 teams.   Besides that I believe he works part time.  He deserved the work from home benefit.  

Eric Staal is not close to that.   How is he going to make those runs to Tim Hortons for Lindy and the coaches?  

[Pimlach]

On 5/8/2025 at 2:15 PM, JohnC said:

We have an assist. GM who lives in Pittsburgh.  And the same non-residence applies to many of our scouts. So what's the big deal about him not residing here.

Scouting is on the road job.  You cannot scout by sitting in Buffalo.

Being in management is another story altogether.  First he is essentially a rookie learning a new job.   Part of the learning is involvement, shadowing the higher level execs, attending meetings, being at the games, being there when things come up to see and learn and help. 

ZOOM meetings online are great for preplanned meetings and events, but for leadership jobs you will miss a lot by being away.  

I would require my special assistant to be in the place where it happens, at least during the regular season. 

Who knows though, he may be in Buffalo half the time and on the road with the team too.  

[JohnC]

31 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Scouting is on the road job.  You cannot scout by sitting in Buffalo.

Being in management is another story altogether.  First he is essentially a rookie learning a new job.   Part of the learning is involvement, shadowing the higher level execs, attending meetings, being at the games, being there when things come up to see and learn and help. 

ZOOM meetings online are great for preplanned meetings and events, but for leadership jobs you will miss a lot by being away.  

I would require my special assistant to be in the place where it happens, at least during the regular season. 

Who knows though, he may be in Buffalo half the time and on the road with the team too.  

The initial discussion related to the Staal hiring for an ill-defined position. In that particular situation I have little problem for him not to permanently relocate to Western NY. For the GM position, my position is different.

 With respect to Karmonos at his current position and where he resides, I would prefer he lives in the Buffalo but accepting to another arrangement if it is working.