Confirmed Signing with Link: [FLA] F Eric Staal signs with the Panthers (1 year, $750k)

[TomppaKoo]

Where is he going to sit in the Cats roster? 4th line centreman? Then he'll have to have 2 defensively responsible forwards there.

 

[Mogo]

Florida keeps signing these old players way past their prime. Lou must be seething right now.

Other than Joe Thornton and Staal's. Just interested if i've forgot.

We needed to get slower with Jumbo gone

 

[Srsly]

Other than Joe Thornton and Staal's. Just interested if i've forgot.



We needed to get slower with Jumbo gone

Probably referring to Jagr a few seasons ago.

I don’t hate Staal as a depth option for anyone and he’s a genuinely great guy so I hope it works out. He’s obviously no longer an elite first line center but he has great leadership qualities and brings cup experience to a team that’s struggled in the playoffs but excels in the regular season. I don’t see why this move is surprising anyone.

 

[CokenoPepsi]

I'd love him to come out of nowhere and hit 500 goals

 

[Terry Yake]

why didn't they just keep thornton?

 

[Elvs]

This signing makes me happy, because it makes me feel younger.

 

[2020 Cup Champions]

Sometimes these old guys come back looking better after a year off. Boyle was competent for the Penguins last year.

Still sad we didn't win a Cup with him. Liked him a lot.

 

[donghabs98]

I love a good comeback story.

I'm also a bit stuck in 2010. So this is super fun for me.

I definitely am feeling older these days when the players I grew up watching are either retired (Getzlaf, Chara, Sedins, Spezza) or near retirement (Staal, Perry). Heck a few are now coaching (Burrows, St. Louis, Ott, Gonchar).

 

[chaser17]

Why though? He looked completely cooked at the olympics so I can't imagine he'll be able to keep up in the NHL.

 

[seafoam]

I really like this Panthers core group and am enjoying the success of the team in recent seasons, but why on earth would they turn to the Staal brothers in the year 2022 for depth when they have Cup aspirations?!

When you're desperate.

 

[Lindberg Cheese]

This is good, Eric Staal is my spirit animal

 

[PromisedLand]

does he remind panthers of weegar?

 

[57special]

The thing about his style of play is that he looks bad even when he has a two point night. His shot is very casual looking, but it's a really good shot(he scored over 40 goals 3 times), he looks kind of gawky, but has an Inspector Gadget body that allows him to get to pucks in the slot even when covered, he's decent on FO's, and smart.

Don't know that he's the right guy to play a bottom six grinder role, though. Legs were looking kind of done, but maybe he's healed up a bit with his time off?

 

[crowi]

It's difficult to understand why E. Staal is needed. Perhaps the remaining cap space could be spent on some defensemen instead?

 

[Hockeyholic]

Hopefully he contributes and wins a cup before eventual retirement.

Would be a nice send-off for the future Hall of Famer.

 

[RickChartraw]

.

 

[Sparksrus3]

Florida keeps signing these old players way past their prime. Lou must be seething right now.

not to worry.. Patrik Elias signing to be announced on Sunday. Also already have John Maclean behind the bench in a suit but must wear skates as part of his contract.

 

[Srsly]

why didn't they just keep thornton?

Staal has more playoff experience and has lead a rag tag Canes core to a cup in the past while Thornton has debatably lead some some of the strongest teams to not win a cup. No slight to Thornton, but if both players are equal skill wise I can see why Staal would have an edge.

It's difficult to understand why E. Staal is needed. Perhaps the remaining cap space could be spent on some defensemen instead?

You’re not going to upgrade your defense for 750k.

 

[Jeune Poulet]

This news is about as exciting as learning Sharon Stone is coming back to star in an upcoming Basic Instinct sequel.

 

[JP Mick]

Yikes. Panthers getting very desperate.

It’s a league minimum contract lol. Your post seems more desperate.

 

[leafsfan2point0]

Great pick up for the panthers. He’s not what he once was, but he can definitely still play

 

[FinlandPanther]

Watching people get riled up over a player who is league minimum gives me life.

 

[57special]

why didn't they just keep thornton?

Staal is 6 years younger?

 

[The Crypto Guy]

It’s a league minimum contract lol. Your post seems more desperate.

Nope. It’s desperate to sign a washed up NHLer to any contract.

 

[FerrisRox]

looked fine in the playoffs to me.

He was more than fine in the playoffs for the Canadiens.