Hurricanes-Rangers Trade: Carolina F Eric Staal to New York

Another big name is off the market. Eric Staal is headed to Broadway in a Hurricanes-Rangers trade announced Sunday afternoon.

Going to Carolina is a pair of 2nd round draft picks, and prospect Aleksi Saarela.

This may be the first of many deals Carolina GM Ron Francis makes over the next 24 hours. He also has pending UFA’s G Cam Ward, F Kris Versteeg, and D John-Michael Liles.

More from Puck Prose

Eric Staal NHL Trade Deadline Profile via Too Many Men (Two Days Ago),

Carolina Hurricanes F Eric Staal was selected 2nd overall back in 2003 from OHL’s Peterborough Petes. In his last year of junior, Staal produced 39 goals, 59 assists (98 points) in 66 regular season games, while adding 14 points in seven playoff contests.

Eric Staal joined the Hurricanes as an 18-year-old in 2003-04, producing 11 goals, 20 assists (31 points) in 81 games as a rookie.

He spent the lock-out season (2004-05) with AHL Lowell, tallying 77 points in 77 games.

Coming out of the lockout, Carolina Hurricanes F Eric Staal had the most productive season of his NHL career. He had 45 goals, 55 assists (100 points) in 2005-06, adding 28 more points in the playoffs en route to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup victory.

Eric Staal has since struggled to come close to matching his sophomore total – except for a similar points-per-game pace during the 48-game lock-out shortened season in 2012-13.

abbreviations: GP (Games Played), G (Goals), A (Assists), PTS (Points)

2006-07: 82GP 30G 40A 70PTS
2007-08: 82GP 38G 44A 82PTS
2008-09: 82GP 40G 35A 75PTS
2009-10: 70GP 29G 41A 70PTS
2010-11: 81GP 33G 43A 76PTS
2011-12: 82GP 24G 46A 70PTS
2012-13: 48GP 18G 35A 53PTS
2013-14: 79GP 21G 40A 61PTS
2014-15: 77GP 23G 31A 54PTS

In 2015-16, Carolina Hurricanes F Eric Staal has appeared in 63 games so far, tallying 10 goals, 23 assists (33 points). He now has 775 points in 909 career NHL regular season games.

He carries a hefty annual cap hit of $8.25 million dollars, which is set to expire at the end of the season. Strictly a rental, the Carolina Hurricanes will need to retain salary to maximize trade value (preferably the full 50 percent).

via ESPN,

The Hurricanes are retaining 50 percent of Staal’s salary, an NHL source tells ESPN.com’s Craig Custance.

Staal had to waive his no-move clause to accept the deal. In New York, he will united with brother Marc Staal.

Finnish Prospect Aleksi Saarela

Aleski Saarela Prospect Profile (Elite Prospects),

A dangerous offensive forward that creates energy through scoring chances. Possesses good hockey sense as well as good hands and stickhandling ability. A smooth and speedy skater who has a lot of jump in his step. Not very large in stature; however, his diminutive size doesn’t deter his scoring prowess, and that is what he will have to rely upon to be successful. [Curtis Joe]

Most of Finland’s World Juniors attention was placed on draft eligible prospects Patrik Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Olli Juolevi. One other player stood out on several occasions – Aleksi Saarela. He was the fastest skater in the tournament. Unbelievable acceleration, and breakaway speed, his skating ability is what helps him stand out. If he can get bigger, and stronger, Saarela has top six potential.

Hurricanes-Rangers Trade Analysis

This deal works for both clubs. For New York, they’re able to add an experienced veteran who can play up the middle or the left side. Eric Staal isn’t the offensive threat he once was, but he is still one of the game’s top players. He brings a long list on intangibles, and his strong leadership skills should make for an easy transition into a new dressing room. GM Jeff Gorton had little choice but to follow in Glen Sather‘s footsteps, and continue to add. That’s what you do if you’re in a good position to make a deep run in the playoffs.

For the rebuilding Hurricanes, another pair of draft picks will help to build Carolina’s prospect pool. Whether they use the picks, or package them to acquire another first rounder, every roll of the dice increases your chances of hitting in the draft.

Next: Pittsburgh Acquires D Justin Schultz

GM Ron Francis had no choice except to trade Eric Staal. If they didn’t, there was a risk he walks into free agency July 1st for nothing. On the flip, the two sides could have negotiated a new contract – again, receiving nothing. Instead, the Hurricanes add a pair of draft picks and a decent prospect for a player that has the option to return next season.

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