With negotiations between the Pittsburgh Penguins and center Jordan Staal breaking down, a possible trade to the Carolina Hurricanes could be in the works. The Hurricanes feel that, given that they might soon be able to get him in free agency anyway, they shouldn't give up too much to the Penguins in order to land the defenseman, according to a tweet by Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writer Rob Rossi.

Hearing #Canes feel Staal is theirs sooner or later, now less willing to blow away #pens in trade talks #StaalWatch

— Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) June 22, 2012

While the tweet isn't specific in what the Hurricanes might have to give the Penguins in order to land Staal, just the thought that they could offer less on their end of this potential deal, which possibly includes the No. 8 overall draft pick, is a little unnerving for Penguins fans.

Staal played in 62 games for the Penguins last season and scored 25 goals and 25 assists. In the playoffs he scored three goals and six assists.

For more on Staal and his future, head over to PensBurgh.