Eric Staal still believes he’s a top-six center. Now he’ll get a chance to prove it.
Staal, 31, has signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Wild for a reported cap hit of $3.5 million.
The Wild had been looking for a center. In fact, they were rumored to be interested in Edmonton’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Signing Staal won’t cost them one of their good, young defensemen in a trade.
Depending how Staal plays behind first-line center Mikko Koivu, it might also allow Charlie Coyle to return to the wing in a top-six role.
The Wild also signed winger Chris Stewart for two years. The 28-year-old had eight goals in 56 games for the Ducks last season. He broke his jaw in February.
Chris Stewart deal with Wild is two years, $2.3M total. $1.15 AAV.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) July 1, 2016
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