Eric Staal
Eric Staal is probably the biggest name remaining for NHL Trade Deadline Day. Things are actually very quiet in Carolina. It has been reported that Staal still has not been asked to waive his no trade clause. With the recent fall of Carolina it would be hard to believe that they would just keep him and get nothing in return. I also have a hard time believing that he will resign in Carolina. If that was going to happen it would have happened by now.
There is talk of the New York Rangers are showing extreme interest in Staal. This is not a huge surprise. Elliotte Freidman of SportsNet reported, “It could be his final home game (Sunday) against the Blues if he decides he wants to go.” Friedman expects that the New York Rangers will make a big pitch for the big forward. Adding Staal would really help the Rangers up the middle. Staal has 10 goals and 33 points in 63 games this year, and is a pending unrestricted free agent come July 1st. The decision is up to Staal, but I would be very surprised if he does not get traded.
News around Twitter:
Loui Eriksson
Loui Eriksson is another pending unrestricted free agent that just may get dealt on or before Monday. This one is a little more interesting. Boston is making a playoff run, and really could use Eriksson’s scoring ability. The real question is, are they willing to risk getting nothing for him to use him the rest of the year? Eriksson was looking for a six-year contract, and Boston was offering three years. The gap is distant and it looks as though talks have quieted drastically.
Teams have shown interest in Eriksson. The Dallas Stars would like him back. The St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings have reportedly called on his services. I think the best long-term move for the Bruins would be to move him for some picks, but it would be hard to sell this idea to Bruins fans who want to make a run at the Stanley Cup this year.
News around Twitter:
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.