Carolina’s Eric Staal Traded to New York

Photo Credit: USATSI

Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal has been traded to the New York Rangers in return for two 2nd round draft picks and and Alexsi Saarela. Rumors were brewing recently about a trade between Carolina and New York for their captain in exchange for Rangers forward Chris Kreider, but it seems New York GM Jeff Gorton did not have that in mind for the deal. However, it was definite that Staal was going to be traded from Carolina by the trade deadline which is tomorrow.

Eric Staal, was drafted by the Hurricanes and spent his entire career in Carolina, is an established veteran. He won the Stanley Cup in 2006 with the Hurricanes, a goal medal in the 2007 World Championship, and an Olympic goal medal with Team Canada in 2010. He was also selected to the NHL All-Star Game four times, winning MVP in 2008. With 10 goals and 23 assists this season, there is no doubt that this acquisition will help the Rangers reach their goal of making the playoffs.

The transition from Carolina to New York will definitely be eased by his new teammates. Eric Staal will already have a friend on the Rangers roster, his younger brother Marc. Marc Staal is a longtime Rangers defensemen and is an alternate captain for New York. He leaves behind his other younger brother Jordan in Carolina, who is an also alternate captain for the Canes. Eric and Jordan Staal have played together on the Hurricanes for almost four years now, after Jordan was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

If the Rangers can make it to the playoffs this year, it will be the first time Eric Staal has played postseason hockey since 2009. It will be exciting to see what Staal can bring to the table for his new team in the rest of the season.

Catch Eric Staal’s New York Rangers debut on Monday Feb. 29 versus the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7PM on MSG.