Eric Staal was a trade deadline rental two years ago, a one-time star with the Carolina Hurricanes whose career appeared to be in decline at age 31.
It turns out all he needed was a little stability.
Staal revitalized his career with Minnesota after signing as a free agent in the summer of 2016, and his play since Feb. 1 lifted the Wild from out of the playoffs to third in the Central Division.
“It’s a great organization, and it was a good fit for me coming in last year,” Staal said following the Wild’s practice Thursday at T-Mobile Arena.