Recent predictions in the hockey media have suggested that the Minnesota Wild could move on from last year’s 42 goal man, Eric Staal.
In an article published on TSN.ca, Frank Seravalli’s bold predictions for the season include suggestions that moving on from Eric Staal may be on the agenda of new Minnesota Wild General Manager, Paul Fenton.
Whilst Frank Seravalli may not quite be an insider, he still holds some standing as a member of the professional hockey media, so it’s fair to take view his opinions as having some modicum of a base in reality.
Moving on from Eric Staal wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing for the Minnesota Wild to do either.
Whilst the 33 year-old had topped 60 points in both his seasons wearing the Minnesota Wild jersey, you can’t overlook the fact that he is 33. Hockey is increasingly a speed game, which generally lends itself best to youth.
Now don’t get me wrong, Eric Staal still brings plenty of value to the team; he’s on a very reasonable deal at just $3.5 million per season, puts up plenty of points and offers a strong veteran presence in the room.
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However, he is ageing and will no doubt be seeking a bigger payday at the end of this deal given he has maintained such a high level of scoring, though there’s no guarantee he maintains that form.
Internally, there are very limited options to replace him if the Minnesota Wild were to move him on, but they’d manage no doubt.
Plenty of other teams have moved on from point producers and found the lost points either elsewhere in the line-up or have managed to acquire somewhat of the difference.
It does however raise a question with Paul Fenton’s approach. Moving on from Staal would signal a rebuild of some sort, as Eric is exactly the sort of player built for playoff hockey.
Would the Minnesota Wild be willing to sacrifice playoff hockey to get younger and potentially quicker.
Equally, is there a market for Eric Staal. Surely last season was his peak market value; any team would’ve been getting a whole season of a rental player still capable of 60 point seasons.
Maybe the San Jose Sharks are keen to go all-in for Joe Thornton in what could potentially be one of his last years as a chance at a Stanley Cup. Maybe they represent a perfect option for Eric Staal.
It’d be intriguing as to what return you could pull out of them though.
Otherwise, maybe it’s a homecoming in Carolina?
Who knows really; if you shop a player that can produce points well, surely there will be takers?