NHL Rumors: Hurricanes' Captain Will Re-sign With Team

The Carolina Hurricanes are running away with their division, which happens to be the toughest in the NHL again this season. They have gotten contributions all throughout their lineup and have also gotten great leadership. That starts with captain Jordan Staal who is a UFA at the end of the season.

Elliotte Friedman believes that Staal won't hit the market and that he's going to re-sign. Considering the success he's had with the team and the team's success, why would he think about signing somewhere else? He is in his 11th season with the Hurricanes and has received Selke Trophy votes in 14 of his 16 seasons in the NHL.

Staal is the Hurricanes' third line centre and he has been great in that role. It is a very productive line and he has produced a lot of offence over the previous six games, notching three goals and eight points.

He has a cap hit of $6 million AAV but playing in the bottom-six and on the penalty kill, he won't get more than $3.5 million AAV on his next deal. Seeing how his estimated career earnings are over $73 million, it appears as though his goal is to win another Stanley Cup, this time with the Hurricanes.