Staal is reunited with Adams, who were teammates on the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup-winning team. And he played 32 games for the Sabres in 2021 before being traded to Montreal.

NHL great Eric Staal is returning to the Buffalo Sabres, this time off the ice. The 40-year-old Thunder Bay native has been named special assistant to general manager Kevyn Adams, the club announced Wednesday.

NHL veteran will assist in all aspects of the hockey department, including scouting and direct involvement with players and prospects.