Hurricanes captain Staal won't be 'crushed' if traded
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Eric Staal has been around long enough to know how these things work.
The Carolina Hurricanes captain spoke candidly to media Thursday in Ottawa about the possibility of being shipped to another team as the trade deadline approaches.
"Decisions are going to have to be made," Staal said.
Staal, 31, has spent his entire career with the Canes since being chosen No. 2 overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, and while he'd like to end his career in Carolina, he's aware of the realities of the situation.
"The reality is it's a business," Staal said. "There are decisions that are made as you move forward. I am at the end of my contract, and we'll see how it shakes out in the next little bit.
"I'm not going to be crushed if a decision is made and I'm moving on for a different opportunity."
Winning a Stanley Cup in his career hasn't diminished his desire to bring another title to Raleigh, Staal said. And it "would be nice" to end his career here.
"There's brighter days ahead for this organization," he said. "I don't know anything different. I was drafted here by this organization, I won a Stanley Cup here as a young player ... and feel like I know no other way.
"As an NHL player, not a lot of people can say that."
For the full interview, watch the 4-minute video.
