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Will Carolina Hurricanes deal Eric Staal?

By Darrell Samuels

Dec 21, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal (12) looks on from the bench against the Washington Capitals at PNC Arena. The Washington Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal (12) looks on from the bench against the Washington Capitals at PNC Arena. The Washington Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could the Carolina Hurricanes trade Eric Staal prior to the NHL trade deadline?

The National Hockey League trade deadline is on February 29 this year. It is an exciting day for hockey fans as they can assess what their favorite team may or may not do before 3 p.m. eastern time. In Canada, fans run to their televisions and listen to various hockey media giving their views on which superstars might be dealt. It is almost a national holiday north of the border, as Canadians love their hockey. Within 60 seconds of the deadline, different emotions are stirred. Some fans are happy, while others are upset.

A player that will draw some interest is the Carolina Hurricanes forward, Eric Staal. The former second overall selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft has been a fixture with the Hurricanes organization since joining the club as a 19 year old. In his rookie season he had 31 points in 81 games. His best season with the Canes was during the 2005-06 season where he had reached the century mark with 100 points in a healthy 82 game schedule. He led the team to their first Stanley Cup defeating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. He’s also was a winner playing in the 2007 World Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver with the Canadian men’s hockey team.

NBCSports.com is saying that Staal is a little unsure of what his future entails over the next six weeks.

“It’s been more challenging than I thought it would be, but I’m doing my best,” Staal said, per the Raleigh News & Observer. “Doing my best to contribute and try and help this team win and play hard.

“I have a family. There’s things you think about. My brother’s playing here. There are a lot of different things you think about.”

Eric is in the final year of a seven year, $57.5 million contract and, at the age of 31,  he can be an important trade chip for General Manager Ron Francis.

There have also been rumors that his brother, Jordan, could be moved from the Hurricanes.

The Carolina Hurricanes are in 12th place of the Eastern Conference and 20th overall with 45 points. They are 11 points ahead of the worst team in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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