An anvil assembly is disclosed that includes an anvil shaft including aproximalportion and a distal portion and defining a first longitudinal bore. Theproximal portionincludes a plurality of flexible legs that define the first longitudinal boredimensioned toreceive a trocar of a stapling device. An anvil head assembly is secured tothe distal portionof the anvil shaft and supports an annular anvil plate that a plurality ofstaple deformingpockets. The anvil assembly also includes a rigid collet defining a secondlongitudinal borethat is configured to receive the trocar of the stapling device. The rigidcollet is supportedwithin the first longitudinal bore and is positioned to prevent crushing ofthe plurality offlexible legs when the anvil assembly is manipulated with a grasper.
