Among the names potentially on the trade market this spring, few will be more appealing to teams gearing up for a playoff run than Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes.
If the ‘Canes decide to shop the pending unrestricted free agent, he checks off a lot of boxes for teams.
Firstly, he’s a centre. Along with defencemen, that is generally the toughest position at which to add a real difference-maker at the deadline. He brings size, which is always at a premium in the postseason. At 6’4” and 205 pounds, he’s the kind of skater who should reassure coaches worried about their teams being ground down over a grueling playoff run.