After two more seasons with the Canucks thereafter, Staios was left unprotected for the 1999 NHL Expansion Draft and was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers. He changed his position to right wing, but was often sidelined in his first season with Atlanta, appearing in just 27 games due to a knee injury suffered in a game against the Colorado Avalanche on October 23, 1999. The following season, Staios was named team captain, succeeding Kelly Buchberger for the 2000–01. He recorded 22 points in 70 games in his final year as a Thrasher.
In the 2001 off-season, Staios signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Edmonton Oilers on July 12, 2001. In 2002–03, he led all defenceman in shorthanded goals (3). After the 2004–05 NHL lockout, during which time Staios played briefly with Luleå HF of the SwedishElitserien, Staios was part of the Oilers team that made a run to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. He scored one goal and five assists in a career-high 24 playoff games; however, the Oilers lost in game seven of the finals to the Carolina Hurricanes. He had notably taken a penalty in overtime during game five of the finals, an elimination game for the Oilers. However, Fernando Pisani scored shorthanded to force a game six.
An injury shortened 2006-07 season saw Staios play in only 58 games, scoring two goals. He managed to stay healthy the next two seasons, playing in all 82 games during the 2007-08 campaign and in 80 games during the 2008-09 campaign, recording a combined 30 points.
Staios was sidelined for a month, early in the 2009–10, suffering a concussion on October 6, 2009.[3]
On March 3, 2010, Staios was traded to the Calgary Flames from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Aaron Johnson and a third round draft pick in 2011.[4] It was the first trade between the franchises in their histories. He ultimately missed the majority of 2010-11 due to a recurring upper body injury.
On September 30, 2011, Staios signed as an unrestricted free agent with the New York Islanders[5] On April 5, 2012 Staios played in his 1000th NHL game.
Staios announced his retirement as a player following his 1001st NHL game during the 2011-12 season.
Post-playing career
On July 25, 2012, Staios was named Player Development Adviser for the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs. On December 4, 2014, he was named the Maple Leafs Manager of Player Development.[6] After the firing of head coach Randy Carlyle on January 6, 2015, Staios moved behind the bench to support the Leafs' interim coaching staff.[7]
Staios joined the Edmonton Oilers on October 6, 2022, as a special advisor to the club's hockey operations staff.[10]
On September 29, 2023, Staios was announced as the President of Hockey Operations of the Ottawa Senators.
On November 1, 2023, Staios was named interim General Manager of the Ottawa Senators following the firing of Pierre Dorion. He was subsequently named permanent General Manager of the Senators on December 31, while still maintaining his title as President of Hockey Operations.[11][12]
Personal
Staios was born to Macedonian parents. He has two children, Nathan and Ella, with his wife, Susannah.[13]
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