On the Carolina Hurricanes and Eric Staal …
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis and the agent for captain Eric Staal, Rick Curran, spoke on the phone yesterday about the pending unrestricted free agent.Neither side would comment on the talks, only saying that that no doors have been opened or closed. They will be “talking again sometime in the new year.”The Hurricanes have to decide if they want to re-sign him, and at what price to do so. Staal needs to decide if he wants to stay, and at what price. Would he waive his NMC and NTC if he doesn’t want to stay?
A new deal from the Hurricanes wouldn’t include a raise. From the hockey side of things, it may be better for the franchise if they traded him for future assets, but it’s not just a hockey decision. Staal has been the face of the franchise for years.
Would think that he wouldn’t take less money than the $6 million (cap hit) his brother is making.
Thought is that if Eric moves on, will they look to trade Jordan as well. Both could be on trade block by the trade deadline.
On the Florida Panthers …
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: The Panthers will be getting an $86 million financial package from Broward Coutny, and co-owner Doug Cifu said they will continue to invest on their on-ice product. The Panthers have a young core that will need new contracts soon – Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau (signed through next year), Erik Gudbranson and Aaron Ekblad.
“We want to focus now on how we fit guys in under the salary cap,” Cifu said. “Our commitment is to take the great guys we know are the foundation of our franchise and keep them here for the long haul, build a nucleus of players who want to be winners here.”
Nick Bjugstad signed a six-year, $25 million extension last year. Barkov and Grudbranson will be RFAs.
Other pending RFAs include Brandon Pirri, Vincent Trocheck, Connor Brickley, Logan Shaw and Quinton Howden.
The Panthers will have new jerseys and a logo for next season.