Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said today that the team hoped to sign star forward Eric Staal to a long-term contract in the next week to 10 days.
Rutherford would not disclose the financial figures being discussed, but it is believed Staal could receive a seven- or eight-year contract that will pay him between $7 million and $10 million a year.
"We're continuing to talk and have talked more of late," Rutherford said. "I would expect us to get a deal done soon. We're getting to the point we're just trying to fine-tune it."
Rutherford said it was a priority to reach an agreement before the Sept. 19 start of training camp.
"I don't like to negotiate contracts during the year," he said. "It's a distraction, not only for the player whose contract is being done but other players think, 'Where do I fall in?'"
Staal, called the team's "franchise player" by Rutherford, will make $5 million this season in the final year of his deal and could become a restricted free agent next summer.
"My wife and I dearly love the area, we love the organization," Staal said today."We want to win — that's the thing.
"It's not something I'm stressing about. It's not something that's going to affect my game. I'm just going to play."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
7 year deal? OMG that is
Wed, 08/19/2009 - 05:26 — tolo877 year deal? OMG that is long time.
burning fat
drivercure
Staal
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 17:52 — Anonymous (not verified)I see him signing a 7 year deal for $49 Million, a couple days before camp opens. It will have an increase in pay about $.5 million a season.
Staal's Contract
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 11:42 — esteban1949From His ( Staal's Comments) He and his family like the triangle area,enjoy being there...has no problem with the area/region...and has settled in and planted some roots as it were...for a younger player...that is a good thing..he learned from his parents, another good thing...While brindy was out Staal was the Captain...did the job, led by example...and did the best he could...myself...I'd resign him at a preformance scale...say 5 years...6.5 year 1..7million to 7.5 million for year 2-3, 8 million year 4, and 8.95 for year 5. if his stats are up on a consistant basis...and he is healthy...that is how I'd do it...then If and when Brindy were to retire..and Staal wanted the posistion...then make him Captain...and start him at 10 million...and then lock him up & in after that...i think that would be more fair to the team as a whole. After all it takes a solid group to make a great team...right ? Go Canes !!
Hi there, my name is Colon
Fri, 11/06/2009 - 07:34 — Strings12Hi there, my name is Colon CleanseVery true. There is nothing more annoying than unsolicited advice. If a person isn’t asking you for help or advice, it’s none of your business to intrude.I totally agree with you.
Staal is getting better and better
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 11:13 — gparodyHe has been exposed to great team players and has produced !!!!!!! He will make a great Captain when Brindy Retires in 2015!
Contract extension
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 11:07 — Robert Gilday (not verified)I am happy to see that the team is moving forward in their thinking and trying to lock up Eric for the long term. More and more franchises are quick to identify their stars and pay the accordingly, and it is nice to see us do the same. HOWEVER, to those who advocate spending all this money and get too close to the cap, be careful what you want. The reason we were able to get Doug Weight and Mark Recchi for the cup run was we were under the cap and therefore able to make the necessary trades. The only way that the team makes money is to make the playoffs. That may not be true for teams owned by corporations (Philly, Rangers, Leafs, Ducks, etc.), but for a lot of teams that seems to be the path to financial security. That's of course if you don't want a steep rise in the price of tickets. We remain well under the average and I don't want to start paying what Wings and Rangers fans pay for their seats.
Media Day
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 10:39 — Anonymous (not verified)A little off topic...however, if this is all Mr. Alexander came away with from the Canes Media day, I think we all have a right to fear what kind of coverage this team will continue to receive.
It's not all about the money, is it?
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 10:33 — Biff_BeersAs the team's leading scorer, the All-Star game MVP, and, most importantly, my son's favorite player, Eric Staal is most certainly deserving of a contract in line with the league's top players. With the league salary cap so much higher than our self-imposed cap, Staal must certainly be aware that he could make more money somewhere else. So why doesn't he let the bidding war begin? Only he knows the real reason, but I have a few guesses. First, he must think the Hurricanes have a shot at going deep in the playoffs. Second, he is on a path to be the captain of the team perhaps as soon as Brind'Amour retires. Finally, maybe he likes it here. Whatever the reason, I hope he signs a 50-year contract so my great-grandchildren can cheer for him.
Big Money Grip !!!
Tue, 09/09/2008 - 23:44 — Carolina_WhalerIt's going to happen, we shouldn't have to worry about this at all. Everyone knows that Staal is a franchise player for the Canes. And from how I interpret Staal's comment about the situtation it sounds like he knows that he's going to be taken care of.
PK & JR would be completely off their rockers to let Staal get away. Staal will be here till he retires I do believe (at least I would hope so).
Just wonder how big and long of a contract it will be.
General Rutherford?
Tue, 09/09/2008 - 21:10 — SunCommander of the Hurricanes Army I guess, lol. Anyway, I agree - I really want this done ASAP.
Staal's the man, he deserves
Tue, 09/09/2008 - 17:37 — James_Staal's the man, he deserves the money. Let's just hope Karmanos finally lets Rutherford spend some money for a change.
Staal
Tue, 09/09/2008 - 16:03 — Anonymous (not verified)Lock him up!! He deserves every penny. Not only is he the franchise player, he brings credibility from the league. He is definitely on of the leagues stars and what other players in the league are making, I have no problem seeing him make $10 mil. a year. Actually, if Gomez and Briere are making 10, Staal deserves 15.