Jets coach Maurice lauds Drew Stafford's 'impact'

For Drew Stafford, it has to be easy to get up for these ones.

The veteran forward spent the last several years and first 50 games of this season languishing with the lowly Buffalo Sabres until a mid-season trade saw him in the thick of the playoff race with the Winnipeg Jets.

And if his coach's words are any indication, he's truly breathing new life.

"He really has had a huge impact since he's been here," Paul Maurice said Thursday after the team strengthened the eighth seed. "I mean he only gets big goals, big assists. He seems to have elevated the game, and so much is just an enjoyment in playing the game."

Stafford has chipped in with six goals, 11 points and two crucial shootout tallies in 15 games since making his way over with Tyler Myers.