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Dave Stala goes back to the future, signing a new deal with the Montreal Alouettes

Andrew Bucholtz

Canadian slotback Dave Stala wasn't out of the CFL for long. Just one day after the Hamilton Tiger-Cats released him after five years, the 34-year-old Stala found a new landing spot—and it's also an old one. Stala signed on with the Montreal Alouettes Friday, returning to the team where he spent his first six CFL seasons. It's not surprising that Stala is eager to keep playing, as that's what he told Drew Edwards Thursday:

“It was a new staff and they have their guys and I don't control those decisions. I understood my role last year and I played it, even if I didn't agree,” Stala said. “I wasn't happy sitting on the bench and if that was going to be the situation again next year, I didn't want to be here, anyway.” ...

Stala made sure to thank his teammates, the Ticats' staff, the front office personnel – just about everyone he could think of – determined to go out on the right note, despite his disappointment. He did his best to focus on the positives and he's convinced – convinced – he's got a little football left.

“If I'm given the opportunity, I know I'm going to succeed,” he said. “I don't think I'm done playing.”

That would seem to be an assessment shared by Montreal head coach/general manager Jim Popp:

"We are happy we have the opportunity to bring Dave back to his original team so that we can make use of his versatility and give him the chance to finish his career in Montreal," Montreal coach/GM Jim Popp said in a statement. "Dave is a great teammate, a dependable player, a community guy, and a fan favourite."

It sounds like Stala's fired up to play, too. Here's what he told CJAD's Rick Moffat:

There are questions about just how much a 34-year-old receiver can contribute, but the Als' Canadian depth in the receiving corps isn't great, and Stala's game was never about speed anyway. He likely still has the pass-catching ability that earned him the "Sticky" nickname and led to plenty of highlights. At the very least, it seems worthwhile for Montreal to take a look at him in training camp. If things work out well, Stala may yet again prove to be a valuable asset for the Alouettes.