Minnesota Wild Sign Eric Staal

After a disappointing season and an early playoff exit, Eric Staal was on the market for the first time in his career. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the former 100-point man has signed on in Minnesota for three seasons, at $3.5MM per year.

2015-16 was arguably the worst season of Staal’s career.  He played in 83 games split between Carolina and the New York Rangers, he had 13 goals and 26 assists.  That marked his lowest point total since his rookie season back in 2003-04.  His postseason performance wasn’t any better as he was held pointless in five games.

Nonetheless, the Wild believe Staal could represent a solid second line forward to help replace the recently bought out Thomas Vanek.

In his career, the 31 year old Staal has played in 929 games between the Hurricanes and Rangers, scoring 325 goals and adding 456 assists.