Eric Staal played for the Carolina Hurricanes from 2003 to 2016, captained them for seven seasons, and was a member of their 2006 Stanley Cup winning squad, so it is understandable that the Buffalo Sabres Special Assistant to the GM was part of the Hurricanes pre-game ceremonies. Staal was brought in by former GM and Canes teammate Kevyn Adams last summer, but it is unknown whether he will be retained by GM Jarmo Kekalainen.