Update On UFA Eric Staal

According to Pierre LeBrun, Eric Staal would prefer to sign with a team in the United States over Canada. Therefore, a return to the Montreal Canadiens may not be in the cards. LeBrun also stated that Staal would like to return to the Minnesota Wild to stay close to home, but they have not shown interest in the veteran forward. 

Staal was traded from the Wild to the Buffalo Sabres before the start of last season. In 32 games with the Sabres, he scored three goals and had 10 points. He would then be dealt to the Canadiens. He struggled during the regular season with them, as he had two goals and an assist in 21 games. He also played 21 postseason games with the Canadiens, where he scored two goals and had eight points. 

Although it was a down year for the 36-year-old center, he did well in a bottom-six role for Montreal in the postseason. Therefore, it seems a bit strange that he has yet to find a new home, even with Minnesota reportedly not interested in a reunion. 

It would be fantastic to see Staal come back for an 18th season. He's had a fantastic NHL career and had a 47-point campaign in 66 games during the 2019-20 season. Here's to hoping either Minnesota changes their mind or he can get signed elsewhere.

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