The Carolina Hurricanes have traded veteran forward Eric Staal to the New York Rangers in exchange for two future second round picks and center prospect Aleksi Saarela.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have acquired Eric Staal in exchange for Aleksi Saarela and two second-round picks ('16 & '17). pic.twitter.com/zWc3xODsIn
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 28, 2016
Staal will be reunited with his brother Marc Staal, while at the same time leaving his brother Jordan behind in Carolina. Staal has 33 points this year and 775 points over his 12-year career. Saarela was a third round in the 2015 NHL draft and is currently playing overseas in his native Finland.
Staal was expected to be one of the top available players at the deadline, and netted a solid return. The second round picks are in the 2016 and 2017 NHL Draft and Saarela will be eligible to join the AHL affiliate of the Hurricanes next year. The Hurricanes will also retain half of Staal’s expiring salary.
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