Eric Staal's agent discusses the possible participation of his client at the 2022 Olympics

Twelve years after he took won the gold medal on home soil in Vancouver, Eric Staal could be gearing up for an Olympic return his agent confirmed on Wednesday.

"When the NHL and NHLPA decided they wouldn't be participating at the Olympics, there was communication (from Staal) to let those people know that he would be interested — and it was a mutual interest," his agent Rick Curran told Postmedia's Michael Traikos.

Staal, 37, was unsigned in free agency over the summer but Curran said his client has been skating every day in Minnesota awaiting an NHL opportunity, with a couple clubs showing interest.

"He has been skating every day and working out with the idea that there are a couple of clubs that have expressed a continued interest," said Curran. "Eric wants to make sure that if an opportunity comes around, he's able to jump in and it wouldn't take him long to get ready."

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native last played at the Olympics in 2010 as mentioned where he formed a line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry for the majority of the tournament. In seven games, Staal had six points (one goal, five assists), along with six penalty minutes.

If he ultimately gets named to Canada's Olympic team by general manager Shane Doan, then there's a good chance that he will be apart of the leadership group, possibly even as captain.

Canada will open their Olympic schedule on February 10th against the 2018 silver medalists, Germany.

Eric Staal's agent has reportedly said his client has expressed interest in playing for Team Canada at the Beijing Winter Olympics. https://t.co/vImR2V54nW— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 5, 2022

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