Buffalo Sabres Trade Eric Staal to the Montreal Canadiens

The Buffalo Sabres fire sale has begun as the team has traded center Eric Staal to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 3rd-round and a 5th-round draft pick.

The 36-year-old veteran Staal has appeared in 32 games this season and has recorded 10 points. The Canadiens see Staal as the perfect fit for their #3 center position.

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin recently let it be known he didn't feel the team would be making any deals leading up to the deadline and a ton of insiders were calling his bluff. Turns out they knew he was up to something indeed.

Habs had three third-round picks to choose from. Smart deal to pick up a veteran centre like Eric Staal. https://t.co/6pLEYqVNGX
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 26, 2021

As stipulated in the release, the Sabres retain $1.625 million of Staal's cap hit in the trade
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 26, 2021

The Sabres retained $1.65 million of Staal's salary which could mean the Habs could be open to another move. One thing's for sure - if Bergevin says he's not making a move...don't believe a word he says.

As for the Sabres, expect to see Taylor Hall traded next.

It is believed Eric Staal will only be subject to the reduced seven-day quarantine after travelling to Canada, but there is nothing in writing confirmed from the federal government just yet.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 26, 2021

Eric Staal, acquired by MTL, is a solid middle-six centre who can still drive play offensively at a decent level but - like all Buffalo Sabres top sixers - apparently forgot how to score goals this season. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/oKIAXPAcnP
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 26, 2021

Marc Bergevin: “I am handcuffed by the salary cap right now, I’m probably not doing anything in terms of trades” pic.twitter.com/kzUh3kBlmc
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla) March 26, 2021