Eric Staal expected to leave Buffalo before trade deadline

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Buffalo Sabres forward is open to being dealt to a Stanley Cup contender, and is expected to be moved by the NHL's trade deadline on April 12th.

"It involves another center in Eric Staal. Eric has a ten team no trade list, but my understanding is that he is completely open to a move out of Buffalo, and to a playoff or Stanley Cup contender. Now, obviously things haven't gone well in Buffalo there's no question about it, no sugar coating how rough of a season it's been there, but he would certainly generate some interest from a number of contenders looking to shore up the center position. He's totally open to it, I was told earlier today. Now it's in the hands of Kevyn Adams to find the right move before the trade deadline." Pagnotta said during the "Market Rumblings" segment on The Fourth Period's website, and Youtube channel.

Staal, 36, was acquired by the Buffalo Sabres in September in exchange for Marcus Johansson. In 23 games this season, Staal recorded 8 points (3 G, 5 A), 4 penalty minutes, and is a -15.

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native is currently in his 17th NHL season, playing parts of 12 seasons with Carolina, 7 as the Hurricanes captain. He won the Stanley Cup with Carolina, 15 years ago, during his second season in the NHL.

It seems like it's a matter of when, not if, Staal gets dealt. With the NHL's deadline a little over a month away, it'll be interesting to see where the 17-year NHL veteran ends up.

Per source, Buffalo Sabres centre Eric Staal is open to a move to a contender and the expectation is a deal will occur before the April 12 trade deadline.@irfgaffar, @DennisTFP and I discuss more on the subject in our report here: pic.twitter.com/uNzIs45KHP— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 9, 2021

Source: The Fourth Period

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