From TSN:
The Carolina Hurricanes have locked up their franchise player, signing centre Eric Staal to a multi-year contract extension on Thursday. Sources says the deal is for seven years, starting next season, and is believed to be worth in excess of $8 million per season.
Sources says the deal is for seven years, starting next season, and is believed to be worth in excess of $8 million per season.
Staal, 23, is entering his fifth season with the Hurricanes and the final year of a three-year contract he signed in 2006 that will pay him $5 million. He is eligible for restricted free agency after the season.
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Eric Staal possesses all the attributes necessary to be a franchise player in the NHL. He is big, strong, fast, has good hands and is a good leader and teammate. An $8 million price tag in this day and age is about market value for a player with his abilities. Good job by Jim Rutherford to get the team’s franchise player on board long-term.