Among the names potentially on the trade market this spring, few will be more appealing to teams gearing up for a playoff run than Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes.
If the ‘Canes decide to shop the pending unrestricted free agent, he checks off a lot of boxes for teams.
Firstly, he’s a centre. Along with defencemen, that is generally the toughest position at which to add a real difference-maker at the deadline. He brings size, which is always at a premium in the postseason. At 6’4” and 205 pounds, he’s the kind of skater who should reassure coaches worried about their teams being ground down over a grueling playoff run.
He’s also experienced. In 2006, Staal was arguably Carolina’s most important player—goaltender Cam Ward got the Conn Smythe Trophy—as he put up 28 points in 25 games.
In addition to that Stanley Cup win, Staal also won gold with Team Canada at the 2010 Olympics, recording six points in the seven-game tournament.
There are a lot of positives there. If he becomes available via trade, there aren’t many te ...
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Article written by Jonathan Willis
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