The Carolina Hurricanes may consider trading Eric Staal at the trading deadline this season and if that happens, the Chicago Blackhawks could be a potential fit for the star.
Staal has come up in numerous trade reports this season, as he is headed towards free agency and may not be re-signed. Staal has played his entire career for the Hurricanes, but the team is getting younger and could consider moving on from the veteran. According to the Ottawa Sun, Bruce Garrioch writes that Staal has not yet been approached by the team about waiving his no-trade clause, but that the team "probably can't afford to keep Staal on his current" deal.
Garrioch reports that while the Hurricanes have not come close to making a deal yet, a "league insider" said that if the team did make a move, teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Florida Panthers could be potential landing spots. The Rangers have been looking to add a forward to the mix for a Stanley Cup run, while the Blackhawks want more depth at the center position heading into the back stretch of the season.
Garrioch reports that the team and Staal have started contract negotiations, but if the sides can't agree on a new deal, Staal could end up being traded at the deadline. TSN's Bob McKenzie said on the "Insider Trading" show that the Blackhawks are also looking to "aggressively" pursue a left wing option to play with Jonathan Toews. McKenzie said that the team wants to add a forward to the mix and that players like Andrew Ladd and Staal could be possible targets.
Staal had put up solid numbers this season with 30 points in 58 games, including nine goals and 21 assists. The Hurricanes are just on the outskirts of the playoff race and that could end up being a factor in whether the team makes a move or not.
