Hurricanes’ Staal has desire to stay in Carolina

Damien Cox and Elliotte Friedman run down the hot topics around the NHL, including trade rumours surrounding the Oilers and the fact that Tim Leiweke could be on his way out of Toronto as soon as next week.

The talk of Eric Staal leaving the Carolina Hurricanes may be premature.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Staal sat down with Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis this summer and expressed his desire to stay with the club.

Staal believes he can still be a difference maker in Carolina this season and he plans to return to the ice as soon as Tuesday.

Elliotte Friedman on Twitter: “2) Hopes to be back Tuesday and it is way to early to give up on the season. Said the only thing that might change things is if a new…”

Elliotte Friedman on Twitter: “3) owner wanted to go in a different direction. (more).”

Staal, 29, carries a salary cap hit of $8.25 million this year. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2015-16 season.

Entering Saturday, the Hurricanes are last in the NHL with a 0-5-2 record.

Sportsnet.ca no longer supports comments.