It looks like Eric Staal will be sticking around in Minnesota beyond this season.
Despite being the subject of trade rumors, Staal wasn’t dealt by the 2 p.m. NHL Trade Deadline on Monday, unlike his Wild teammate Mikael Granlund.
Instead, Staal agreed to a two-year deal worth $3.2 million annually, according to Michael Russo of the Athletic.
Russo also reported that Staal made a modified no trade list of playoff teams over the summer to avoid being dealt, because he wanted to remain in Minnesota.
Sarah McLellan of the Star Tribune notes that his new contract will also include a modified no trade clause.
Staal admitted to reporters earlier this month that the trade rumors were getting to him. The 34-year-old center scored 42 goals last season but has come back to earth this season with 18 goals in 62 games.
His $3.2 million cap hit for next season is just a tad cheaper than the $3.5 million he’s earned in the past three seasons.
With Mikko Koivu out for the year and likely significant time next season, Minnesota doesn’t have a ton of depth at the center position.
So re-signing Staal to solidify that position makes sense for the team.
This comes on the heels of the Wild trading away another core player in Granlund to Nashville on Tuesday.
