For me, at the end of the day.... it's a very good low key deal for Buffalo. They got the better player, they fill a huge need at center, they opened up a little bit of cap space, they bought more time for cozens/mittelstadt/asplund to develop and compete for NHL ice rather than thrusting them into a role they aren't ready for and last and honestly one of the most important but usually ignored by fans and especially HF'ers, the leadership, veteran presence and possible huge positive effect a guy like staal could have in the locker room and creating a positive atmosphere, it's well noted the atmosphere in the room was a ****show for the past 5+ seasons and it's tough to win when you go out every night knowing the guy next to you isn't gonna play for you or care to do the extra little things it takes to consistently win hockey games, i mean we've all heard the comments, especially O'reillys and scandellas on their ways out of town. It also makes sense considering the Sabres new GM won a cup with and probably knows Staal very well.