Eric Staal traded to Buffalo for some reason

[CarltonTheBear]

Staal is still decent production, but he's 36 before the season kicks off.  He could drop off a cliff at any time.

I'm actually impressed how Staal's scoring has held over over the years. The past two seasons he scored at a 55 point pace. That's a decline from his first two seasons with the Wild sure where he scored 65 and then 76 points, but it's also the exact same pace he scored at in his last 3 seasons with Carolina from 2013-2016.

 

[L K]

I guess Johnasson is younger so if they want to re-sign him that probably makes a little more sense than Staal down the road but Johansson produces less, isn't really a center and hasn't played more than 60 games in a season in 3 years (granted the pandemic shut him down this year)

 

[Frank E]

From some of the talking head chatter, the Sabres wanted Staal for a bit of veteran leadership on a club that has had some issues in that regard.

But since there's not an analytical argument that we can tie to this move, we'll just be mystified by it. 

I mean I think most people are confused about this trade from a Minnesota perspective. Buffalo got a better and cheaper player, it was a good move on their part. I think the only concern is will Staal be motivated to play there.

edit: I'll downgrade that to good-ish because I do think there's a legit concern about this trade blindsiding Staal and that hurting his play next season

Though it also could motivate Staal.  It would me if I were him.

 

[Frank E]

What really needs to be reported on is how many GMs were angry that they didn't get a chance to be in on this deal.

^This is good stuff right here.

 

[herman]

31 Thoughts

1. It was a smart move by Buffalo, although Staal, who is building a retirement home in Minnesota, was completely caught by surprise ? and disappointed he found out when his phone blew up. (In case anyone was worried he wouldn?t report, I?m told that?s not happening ? he?s going to play.) The Sabres were not on his 10-team no-trade list, I think, because he didn?t expect them to be a pursuer. Staal turned down multiple trade ideas in the past two seasons (Boston was one), all from contenders. Buffalo didn?t fit the mold of teams eying him, but he?s exactly what the Sabres need. A No. 2 centre and some support for Jack Eichel, who can?t be thrilled with reports of a $70-million payroll. Buffalo is also investigating upgrading its goalie options.

So much oof.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

https://twitter.com/JoeYerdon/status/1306981435451019268

Staal seems like a stand-up guy, quality veteran player right there. "Yeah well the team I was captain of sucked so of course I had some bad years".

 

[Guilt Trip]

https://twitter.com/JoeYerdon/status/1306981435451019268

Staal seems like a stand-up guy, quality veteran player right there. "Yeah well the team I was captain of sucked so of course I had some bad years".

Yup and he won't hesitate to ask to be moved when the Sabres go off the rails, if they ever get on them.