On the Carolina Hurricanes …
- Chris Nichols: Bob McKenzie: “I don’t think there’s any question there’ll be lots of interest in Eric Staal… you can always make the money work.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: It’s looking like Hurricanes GM Ron Francis is going to make some moves. Some say the trade speculation hasn’t been that big of a distraction
“But it’s easier said than done,” Staal said. “Some situations are different than others and for me this year it’s the first time in my career there’s been a little bit of uncertainty. It’s been challenging at certain moments but the reality is I’m playing a game for a living that I’m grateful for and happy to do it for this team.”
GM Francis could look to trade pending UFAs Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg, John-Michael Liles and Cam Ward.“When I was younger I used up a lot of energy focusing on it,” Liles said of trade speculation. “It’s not really productive thing to go through in your mind.
“For me, at 35, it’s possible I could go. It’s possible I could stay. It’s the same for ‘Staalsy’ and ‘Wardo.’ For me I think it’s a little different because I’ve been traded twice. I’ve been through that process. My wife has been through that process. It’s part of the business. For guys like Staalsy and Wardo, who have only played in this organization, it’s a bit tougher.”
Staal’s agent Rick Curran and Francis continue to talk, and there has been no mention of waiving his no-trade clause.
“There’s nothing new,” Staal said. “I’ve just been focused on trying to play and we’ll see how that turns out in the next little while.”
- Chris Stevenson of NHL.com: Eric Staal said that he wouldn’t be crushed if he is either traded or can’t agree on a new contract with the Hurricanes. Staal was asked if it was important for him play his whole career with one organization.
“It would be nice, for sure. I don’t know anything different. I was drafted by this organization. I won a Stanley Cup here as a young player and committed long term to being here. I know no other way. As an NHL player, not a lot of people can say that, but the reality is it’s a business.
“There’s decisions that are made as you move forward. I’m at the end of my contract and we’ll see how it shakes out here in the next little bit. I’m not going to be crushed if a decision is made and I’m moving on for a different opportunity, but at the same time right now my focus is on helping this team win games and picking up points, because we’re learning how to win and we’re learning how to get better every day. It’s been fun to see some of these young guys develop and improve and kind of see it on a daily basis.”
Staal on contract talks.
“There has been (contract) dialogue both ways. But at the end of the day, it’s going to matter about where this team is at and where they think we’re at. We’re making steps in the right direction as a group. There’s better days ahead for this organization, no question.
“We’ll see how it plays out in the next couple of weeks, but right now we’ve got to keep trying to win games and picking up points because everybody else seems to be doing the same, and if we want to be in the thick of it we’ve got to win on a nightly basis and tonight’s a great chance for us.”