Skip to content

Report: Eric Staal not ready to retire

Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / Getty

Eric Staal isn't ready to call it a career.

The unrestricted free agent is looking for a team, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun on "Insider Trading." He hasn't been successful yet, and LeBrun thinks his camp would prefer to find him a good fit in the United States.

The Minnesota Wild are believed to be atop Staal's list of preferred destinations, as his family has lived in the midwestern state for the last few years. The 36-year-old also played four seasons for them between 2016 and 2020.

However, Lebrun reports the Wild haven't shown any interest in bringing him back.

Re-upping with the Montreal Canadiens also appears to be out of the question. Staal was traded to the Habs in late March and went on to record eight points over 21 playoff contests while averaging 11:31 of ice time per matchup during the team's magical run to the Stanley Cup Final.

He just wrapped up a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.25 million. Evolving Hockey projects his next contract will be a one-year pact worth $1.32 million.

The Canadian center has logged 1,034 points over 1,293 games while suiting up for five teams.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox