In 2013-14, Staal, 29, had his worst offensive season since his rookie season 10 years ago. His 61 points (21G / 40A) were nearly the same amount of points (53) that he posted in 48 games in the lockout shortened campaign. He is still considered a top-15 centre heading into this year, as long as this core muscle injury does not linger.
Staal missed yesterday's practice but was on the ice for the optional skate this morning, so it is not much of a surprise to see him in the lineup tonight. Staal has just two goals and three assists in his last 12 games. Staal has posted nine goals and 16 assists (25 points) in 37 games vs. the Rangers.
Staal missed Monday's practice, but is skating this morning in the Hurricanes' optional morning skate. His presence on the ice this morning suggests that he will be good-to-go tonight.
Monitor Staal's availability during Tuesday's morning skate. For now consider him probable for tomorrow's meeting with the Rangers.
Staal missed the last four games, but will return tonight against the Flames. He will skate on the top line with Jeff Skinner and Alex Semin. He enters play with 35 points (10G / 25A) in 42 games this season.
This was foreshadowed by the Hurricanes roster moves earlier in the week, but now with Staal officially back at practice, he seems like a lock to play on Monday. Staal caught a break with Tuesday's game against the Sabres getting postponed, so he only missed three games with a lower-body injury that he suffered last Saturday. Staal was held off of Team Canada and that could be great news for his fantasy investors, expect an inspired player for the second half of the season. He has 35 points (10G / 25A) in 42 games this season, but it is his minus-15 rating that is concerning.
With Brett Sutter and Zach Boychuk being reassigned to Charlotte and only Riley Nash being activated off LTIR, it is a good sign that Staal will return to the lineup on Monday after missing the last four games.
Staal will not play tomorrow and is listed as day-to-day. The Hurricanes are back in Carolina on Thursday to take on the Maple Leafs, monitor his status during Thursday's morning skate.
Staal should miss the next three games and could potentially miss four if he is not ready to go by Friday vs. the Blue Jackets. With Staal out, Muller expects to shuffle the lines and says Tuomo Ruutu and Jeff Skinner will both see time at centre.
Staal played just 9:48 on Saturday before leaving the game and not returning. The Hurricanes recalled Aaron Palushaj from Charlotte today, who would make his Hurricanes debut with Staal out. Losing Staal would be a huge loss for the Hurricanes, he currently leads the team in points with 35 (10G / 25A) in 42 games.
Staal started the season relatively slowly posting three goals and six assists in his first 18 games, but has ramped up his game since registering six goals and 13 assists (19 points) in his last 16. He is currently riding a modest three-game point streak and has registered at least one point in 14 of his last 16 contests.
Staal has been back to his dominant self as of late, helping Jiri Tlusty with his offensive game. He now has 18 goals and 49 points in 60 games.
Staal is finally living up to his billing under coach Kirk Muller. The captain now has 16 goals and 46 points in 59 games.
After playing most of the season with rookies or grinders on his wings, Staal finally gets some good linemates. He has nine goals and 25 points through 41 games.
Staal will play despite leaving the team with the birth of his child. The team's captain has an underachieving seven goals and 19 points in 30 games but has five points over his last three games.
Staal moves back to center and will play in between Anthony Stewart and Chad LaRose. He's scored four goals and eight points with a putrid minus-18 rating.
Look for Staal to get double shifted and moved around the lineup tonight. Thus far the team's captain has struggled with a League-worse minus-16 rating.
Staal also took a maintenance day today. He has not yet performed up to his standards which may be mentally linked to his brother's injury.
