Staal Signs Extension

ESPN.com is reporting that Carolina Hurricanes Center, Eric Staal, has signed a long-term contract believed to be worth over 8 million dollars a season for the next 7 years. The 23-year-old Staal ended last season with 38 goals and 44 assists. As the NHL looks to increase its appeal and ratings in non-traditional hockey markets, having a player of Staal's caliber sign long-term to a team like Carolina can only help in what seems like a bright future for the NHL.