NHL Rumors: 2 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Eric Staal

Eric Staal is coming off of a decent season with the Florida Panthers, where he posted 14 goals and 29 points while playing fourth-line minutes. Yet, at this point of the summer, he still does not have a home. However, when noting that he has a ton of experience and can still make a difference in a bottom-six role, perhaps things could change on that front soon. Let's discuss two possible landing spots for him now.

Carolina Hurricanes: Could Staal rejoin the Hurricanes and end his career with the team he will forever be remembered most playing for? Perhaps it could make sense. The Hurricanes lost two grizzled veterans in Paul Stastny and Derek Stepan this offseason, and there could be a spot for them as their 4C because of it. It also would reunite him with his brother, Jordan Staal, as the Canes look to win the Stanley Cup in 2024.

Florida Panthers: Perhaps the Panthers could even consider bringing back Staal. As stated above, he was effective for them in a small role last season. With that, it would not hurt them to add a bit more forward depth to their group before the start of the season.

We will need to wait and see if Staal ends up playing another season with one of these two teams from here.