On the Carolina Hurricanes …
- Chris Nichols: Ron Francis on TSN 1200 on Eric Staal’s future: “We’ve had discussions. No decisions have been made yet.”
- Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News: According to Kennedy’s sources, the Hurricanes have been actively shopping Eric Staal for awhile, but haven’t been able to find a taker for the pending UFA.Staal carries a $8.25 million cap hit.
Most contenders don’t need a veteran like Staal, or can’t fit his cap space in. If he’s going to be traded, it would most likely be on deadline day when his salary will be minimized the most.Looking at what teams have the need and cap space for Staal.
The New Jersey Devils, but their prospects are a little thin and they need their draft picks.
The Colorado Avalanche are in a wild card spot and could use someone like Staal, but their blueline is a greater need.
What about the Chicago Blackhawks? They are a team that isn’t afraid to go for it. Salary would have to go back, and no, not Bryan Bickell.
On the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes …
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: A month ago Keith Yandle was available for trade, but likely not anymore after his positive play in the increase role he was given when Ryan McDonagh was out with a concussion.GM Jeff Gorton needs to add to the Rangers. They could use a physical top-six winger who brings size down-low and to the power play. Brooks thinks that Eric Staal is that player.Staal does have a no-trade clause, but he might be willing to waive it to play with his other brother, Marc. The Rangers have talked about acquiring Staal before.
The Rangers have either their first round pick this year or next – they have to send one to the Coyotes from the Yandle trade.
Pavel Buchnevich and Brady Skjei should be off-limits. Oscar Lindberg probably isn’t off-limits. The Hurricanes would likely have to retain 50 percent of Staal’s salary due to the Rangers cap position.
There doesn’t appear to be many options out there for the Rangers. The price for Andrew Ladd will likely be driven up too high. Teddy Purcell is more of a bottom-six player.