THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
RALEIGH, N.C. -- It's pretty clear that the Carolina Hurricanes expect Eric Staal to become the next face of their franchise.
The Hurricanes have signed the all-star centre to a US$57.75-million, seven-year extension that will kick in next summer.
He's now under contract to the Hurricanes through 2015-16.
Staal will earn $5 million this season and will average $8.5 million per year over the next seven.
The 23-year-old had 38 goals and 82 points for the Hurricanes last season.
