The Ottawa Senators hired Steve Staios as president of hockey operations, the team announced Friday.

Staios resigned from his position as a special assistant to the general manager with the Edmonton Oilers in order to join Ottawa.

The 50-year-old spent seven seasons with new Senators owner Michael Andlauer with the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs from 2015-22. As the team's president and general manager, Staios won two OHL titles and was named the league's best GM in his final season with the Bulldogs.

"I'm so excited that Steve is joining me in Ottawa to lead our hockey operations," Andlauer said in a statement. "I have worked with Steve for many years and know first-hand that he will strengthen our team with his hockey acumen, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and enthusiasm for the game and its players."

Staios joins GM Pierre Dorion to oversee the Senators' hockey operations department.

"In hockey, you can never accumulate too much talent," Andlauer said. "Having Steve and Pierre leading our hockey department gives us a formidable team."

Staios is Andlauer's first major hire after he completed his purchase of the Senators earlier in September.

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