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.

Bruins Discuss Possible Outdoor Game at Fenway

Bruin's owner Charlie Jacobs has mentioned the idea of possibly hosting an outdoor game as a part of the NHL's "Winter Classic" series, sometime in the future. Potential locations for the game are Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and the Boston Common. After the success of the New Year's day game in buffalo this past year, many teams have been interested in hosting an outdoor game. Traditionally a popular sport in cold weather areas, the NHL is increasing their popularity with every outdoor event that they host. The NHL should explore Boston as an opportunity to host an outdoor game given the recent success of cult-like sports franchises like the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.