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Carolina Hurricanes: Staal and Ward are not Thelma and Louise

By Dean Plunkett

Feb 13, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) and forward Eric Staal (12) watch the 10th anniversary celebration before the game against the New York Islanders at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders 6-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) and forward Eric Staal (12) watch the 10th anniversary celebration before the game against the New York Islanders at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders 6-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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“Thelma & Louise”, for all of you under the age of 40, is a 1991 movie about two women who decided to hit the road and leave behind lives that were unfulfilling, without any real plans for the future. It reminds me of the current situation of Eric Staal and Cam Ward.

As the trade deadline gets closer I’ve been reading editorial and opinion pieces all over the web about the fate of Staal and Ward. I got to thinking about what the real situation is concerning their contracts and pending free-agency. That’s when I decided to step back from the speculation and punditry and look at the landscape from a factual and personal angle.

Put aside what Ron Francis wants to do, and put aside what Coach Peters would like Francis to do. Put aside what Peter Karmanos wants to do, and put aside what other teams want to do. Absolutely, unequivocally, in no uncertain terms, none of that matters. When we’re talking about Eric Staal’s or Cam Ward’s future the only wishes we need to take into account are theirs.

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Coach Bill Peters summarized the situation perfectly in his comments after the morning skate. Asked about any Eric Staal trade distractions that may be affecting the team, he said, “Zero distraction. We met in training camp, and he’s got a full no-move (clause). So who’s in charge? Simple as that.”

Let’s just assume, as I believe everyone does, that neither player will be offered another mega-bucks contract to stay with the Hurricanes. There is no animosity or bad feelings. In fact, there can be a strong argument made that keeping them here in Raleigh, at more reasonable salaries, would be good for the team and good for the fanbase. The bottom line, though, is that their recent play and performance simply doesn’t warrant re-signing at the current levels.

“Zero distraction. We met in training camp, and he’s got a full no-move (clause). So who’s in charge? Simple as that.” Coach Bill Peters on Eric Staal trade distractions.

Other teams, more than likely, have been inquiring about both of them, and gauging Francis’ interest in a trade. Those offers, if any, have been passed along to agent Rick Curran and the players. But here’s the key question to answer. Even if the offers look good on paper for both teams, Staal and Ward, why would either of them agree to waive their clauses, only to be in the same situation two or three months from now? Let’s play this out.

Both Eric and Cam like Raleigh and like the organization. In fact, both have said so many times. By all indications the ownership, management and coaching staff like having both players on the team and on the ice. Ward still gets every start he’s ready for, and Staal plays over 20 minutes a night on the top line. Their teammates, whenever asked, talked about the leadership and experience they bring to the locker room and the younger players. And don’t get me started on the thousands of Hurricanes fans who have bought, and proudly wear, Staal and Ward jerseys to every home game at PNC Arena.

Doesn’t sound like an unfulfilling or uncomfortable situation, does it? So why would Staal and Ward hit the road, upending their lives and families, to go to a team that may or may not win the Stanley Cup – which both Staal and Ward have already lifted once – for no extra salary now, and no guarantee of a contract at season’s end?

Why wouldn’t they, as I would, stay with the only team they’ve ever known, in a city that they like, with rabid fans that want them to succeed, and see what they can work out with Ron Francis when the Hurricanes get knocked out of the third round of the playoffs this year?

(Yeah, that’s wishful thinking, but a guy can dream can’t he?)

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So, if you’ve seen ‘Thelma & Louise’, or had your parents describe the plot, you know that it doesn’t end well for the main characters. They end up being chased by law enforcement into Mexico, and end up driving off a cliff to escape.

I’m not saying that waiving their no-move clauses and changing teams is the same as what Thelma and Louise did in the movie, but I think you can catch my drift here. Eric Staal and Cam Ward are not going to jump in their 1967 Mustang convertible and hit the road. They will be Carolina Hurricanes for the rest of this season.

And on a personal note, I hope they will be after this season too.

Go Canes!

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