The Ottawa Senators made a big move on Friday by appointing Steve Staios as the new president of hockey operations. Staios, who previously served as a special adviser to hockey operations with the Edmonton Oilers, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Senators.
In a statement, Senators owner Michael Andlauer expressed his excitement about Staios joining the team. Andlauer praised Staios for his hockey acumen, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and enthusiasm for the game and its players. Andlauer believes that having Staios and general manager Pierre Dorion leading the hockey department will make the team even stronger.
Before joining the Oilers, Staios held key positions with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League. He served as the team’s president in 2015 and as the general manager from 2016 to 2022. Staios’ departure from the Oilers was met with gratitude from the organization, as CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson thanked him for his time with the club.
Staios, who hails from Ontario, had an impressive playing career as a defenseman. He played in over 1,000 games and accumulated 220 points with several NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Atlanta Thrashers, Oilers, Calgary Flames, and New York Islanders.
The hiring of Staios is a significant move for the Senators as they look to strengthen their hockey operations. With his experience and passion for the game, Staios is expected to make a positive impact on the team’s performance and player development. Fans can look forward to exciting times ahead for the Senators under Staios’ leadership.