The New York Rangers have added another Staal to the roster as Eric Staal has been acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Heading back to the Hurricanes in the trade are two second-round draft picks as well as Finnish prospect Aleksi Saarela. The Hurricanes will also retain 50% of Staal’s remaining salary.
Eric is a pending unrestricted free agent, and wasn’t expected to be re-signed by the Hurricanes, who appear to be starting the process of a full-fledged rebuild in Raleigh. Eric will join his brother Marc in New York. The deal leaves fellow brother Jordan as the only Staal left in Carolina.
In 63 games this season, Eric has 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points. With better linemates in New York, it should be expected to see those numbers increase.
This is a move that will allow the Rangers to attempt to keep pace with the Washington Capitals, and cement their place place as a playoff team this year. Staal isn’t expected to stay in New York after this season, making this a pure rental acquisition for the Rangers.
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Featured Photo By: Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers
