Rumor: Eric Staal to New York Rangers

The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to move veteran captain Eric Staal before the 2016 NHL trade deadline. Staal admits that he is likely to me moved. He said:

I’m not going to be crushed if a decision is made and I’m moving on for a different opportunity. Decisions are going to have to be made. I haven’t been approached about waiving [my no-move clause] at this point.

Staal, 31 years old, is in the last year of his $8.25 million cap hit contract and is a pending UFA. His production warrants a pay cut for his next contract. He only has accumulated 9 goals and 21 assists in 57 games played this season.

Although the Hurricanes are close to a playoff spot, Staal appears frustrated and willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to a Stanley Cup contender, the New York Rangers, where he would play with brother Marc. The Hurricanes want a first round draft pick in return for Staal.