Staal makes Canadiens debut vs. Oilers

Eric Staal is in the lineup Monday for his Montreal Canadiens debut versus the Edmonton Oilers.

The recently acquired pivot served his mandatory seven-day quarantine and joined the club's top-six forward group at practice.

"Obviously, the first thing that jumped out is the talent level and the skill level," Staal said of his new teammates. "I think it's hard to gauge a lot else in a morning skate, but watching the guys for a few games, it was real competitive, quick, and aggressive, and I think all things you like to see from a good hockey team.

"So I'm excited to get involved tonight and hopefully play a good game and be another part to the group that's already here."

Montreal acquired Staal from the Buffalo Sabres on March 27 for a third- and fifth-round pick in 2021. The 36-year-old has 10 points in 32 games this season.

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