The New York Rangers love landing the big fish, and that description certainly applies to Eric Staal.
Here are the official details, via the Rangers:
Rangers get: Eric Staal.
Hurricanes receive: Aleksi Saarela, plus two second-round picks (one in 2016, the other in 2017).
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Reporters filled in other details regarding the move.
To little surprise, it sounds like the Hurricanes will retain a big chunk of Staal’s cap hit:
It's also my understanding, though not official by any means, CAR is expected to retain as much as 50 per cent of Staal's expiring contract.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 28, 2016
The Rangers keep spending big for short-term gains that could bring long-term pain. The Rangers only have one pick in the top two rounds of the next two drafts: their first in 2017.
It’s difficult to forecast where Staal fits in among the Rangers forward, but when everyone’s at or near full-strength, it would certainly be fun to see him line up with Rick Nash.
The Hurricanes swallowed a bitter pill in trading away the face of their franchise, ending an era that hasn’t been successful since Staal guided them to a surprise Stanley Cup victory.
#ThankYouEric pic.twitter.com/oYmVq7nKBi
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 28, 2016
Eric Staal's last playoff game was in East final w/ #Canes vs #Pens on May 26/09, although he did help Canada win 2010 Olympic gold.
— Tim Wharnsby (@TimWharnsby) February 28, 2016
(Side note: there’s nothing stopping Eric Staal from returning to the Hurricanes as a free agent this summer, however.)
Moving along, people are positive about Saarela’s potential.
For @NHLCanes Aleksi Saarela is a very good prospect. High IQ, makes plays. Quick & plays & executes at high pace. Versatile. Competes.
— Craig Button (@CraigJButton) February 28, 2016
Ultimately, the takeaway is all a matter of perspective.
Obviously Hurricanes wanted more for Eric Staal. Fact that Staal wanted to play only for the NYR, if traded, didn't help.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) February 28, 2016
Similar situations in that St. Louis and E. Staal both had no-trades and only wanted to be traded to Rangers.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) February 28, 2016
The Hurricanes are bulking up on draft picks, if nothing else.
In an amusing twist, Eric goes from playing with one brother in Carolina (Jordan Staal) to another with the Rangers in Marc Staal.
Jordan Staal on Thursday when asked about Eric going to the dark side to play with Marc in New York: pic.twitter.com/4xqhcVhQ4D
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 28, 2016
It should be fascinating to see how Staal responds to this situation. Rangers fans will expect a lot, and he’ll deal with a ton of spotlight in New York. On the other hand, he can earn himself a ton of money and security if he helps the Rangers make a deep playoff run.