Jordan Staal has one year remaining on his contract, and rumors have swirled since the Pittsburgh Penguins exited the NHL Playoffs that he could potentially be traded this offseason. Staal added fuel to that fire on Thursday, when he reportedly rejected an offer of a 10-year contract extension. According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Staal is not ruling out a stay with the Penguins, but isn't ready to extend his contract either. He is, however, reportedly willing to talk about a new contract if he's traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Source close to talks tells @TribSports that Staal has not ruled out remaining w/ #pens but would talk contract if traded to #canes
— Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) June 21, 2012
The Canes have his brother Eric Staal on the roster, and it's not hard to see what Jordan Staal finds attractive about a move to Raleigh. The Tribune-Review reached Staal's agent Paul Krepelka for comment, but unsurprisingly, he didn't have a ton to say.
"My only comments will be that Jordan is not prepared to enter into a contract extension at this time."
The Hurricanes own the No. 8 overall draft pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, as well as a number of decent young assets that could make a trade attractive for the Penguins. However, general manager Ray Shero would certainly like to avoid a trade and work out an extension with Staal if possible.
For more on Staal and his future, head over to PensBurgh.