The odd thing about the NHL Trade Deadline was that Eric Staal could have been traded. Something felt off about the whole idea and yet it would not go away. Sometimes, it benefits to trust one’s gut.
Sure enough, Eric Staal going anywhere but Minnesota was ridiculous in the end. Minnesota going ice cold over the last month or so had no bearing on Staal’s decision. He likes it there and that always helps. Let’s take a look at the details.
Eric Staal signs new, two-year extension…
He chose wisely while helping the Minnesota Wild. This became a common sentiment. Staal signing for two years as an average annual value of $3.25 million was unexpected. Furthermore, keep in mind, just the basic amounts of the contract are up for display. With so many pundits thinking he would be traded, this had to happen. Watching Minnesota for any amount of time gives you an idea of their operative modes.
As for Staal’s on-ice production, there is a bit of a drop off in goals and assists but shots are right on target. His increased shooting percentage in Minnesota was noticed as well. His possession metrics rise almost 3.5-4% above the team average. That feat impressed many given how bad Minnesota has been over the past 15-20 games. Also, add in the injuries and it made the case for why maybe Staal should have left.
However, that is not how Eric Staal is wired. He won his Stanley Cup way back in 2006. Staal proved everything he could. The forward expects to hit 1000 points next season barring injury. The center lived in a nice area and generally got along with most everyone in the organization. Staal still was averaging 0.66 points per game as of press time. He turns 35 at the end of October. This keeps it from being a 35+ contract.
Again, the timing was curious but it is what it is. Now, what does this mean in the future? Let’s look at that next.
Into the future with the Eric Staal deal…
Eric Staal’s ice time projects to decrease in time. Just look at this year and the evidence is there. Though the 17:49 is just seven seconds less than what he played last year, it is a good idea to delve deeper. The forward stays healthy and rarely misses substantial time for anything. He missed 12 games in the 2009-10 season. Every other year, Staal played 77+ games aside from the lockout-shortened campaign. There lies concern that Eric Staal may break down again. That is always possible.
However, with tapered down ice time to maybe 16-17 minutes or so next season, Staal should not lose much effectiveness. Minnesota needs the pivot to still be around 50+ points. He remained on pace for around 55 points so next season’s projection is not far off
With a healthy roster, Staal could come close to achieving a 55-60 point year. Even then, players like Matt Dumba must stay healthy and Devan Dubnyk must improve in the offseason. For Paul Fenton and the Minnesota Wild. at least Staal is under team control for the next two seasons. Minnesota can build out from some of its cornerstone pieces. Finally, a top-six role is there for Ward. However, the second year that expects to dial down to a middle-six deployment.
Expect an announcement soon as far as the other stipulations of this deal.
