Carolina Hurricanes: Should they bring Eric Staal home?

It’s been a long time since the trade that sent the former Hurricanes captain to the Big Apple. After his departure from the city that never sleeps, he spent time in the North Star State, some time in the Queen City, and even some time in French parts of Canada too. However, Eric Staal is now an unrestricted free agent for the 2nd time in his career.

As the only active player of the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes roster, he is the last reminder in the league of the time the Canes reached the pinnacle of the hockey world. His 100 point season in 2006 remains the highest ever total tallied by a player since the franchise relocated. His 45 goal season is still unmatched by any player in a Hurricanes uniform.

Now, it needs to be said. Eric Staal is not what he used to be. He will not be up there at the 100 point mark anymore. At 36 years old, Staal is winding down his career, and will likely only be effective in a depth role. But to have Eric back in Raleigh after half a decade away would be somewhat surreal.

Staal is highly regarded as the best Hurricane ever and is the leader in most team stats post-relocation. Even before relocation, in most stats, he’s top 5. Only consistently behind Hall of Famer Ron Francis across the board. Staal is 2nd in goals, assists, and points in Carolina Hurricanes history, only to Francis in all 3. Francis has over 1000 points for the organization. Staal has 775.

You’re probably saying to yourself “Do the Canes really need a 4C after who they’ve picked up in free agency?” and that is a very valid question. But if the deal is low enough to have the ability to be buried, what’s the worst that can happen? Why not take the risk with the former captain? Justin Williams got to end his career in Raleigh, where it really kicked off. Why not give Eric the chance to come home too?

Obviously, there are more important things to do with this roster right now. There’s one Russian superstar kid who needs a new deal, and there’s still a hole in the top 9 on the left-hand side. Otherwise, there is a lot to like about how the team is built at this point in time. Giving Eric the chance to end his career where he belongs would restore a lot of faith among the fanbase too.