Eric Staal is the most Underappreciated Hurricane of All Time

 

Eric Staal 2014-2015 Upper Deck Premier Rink of Honor


    In case you did not hear already, Carolina Hurricanes Legend Eric Staal has been named the Captain of The Canadian Men's Olympic Hockey team. I tell you that to tell you this, beyond being a Justin Faulk Collector I also collect Eric Staal. The Former 2nd Overall Pick (2002), Stanley Cup Champ, the arguably legitimate Conn Smythe Winner with 28 points in 25 Games, and former Hurricanes Captain has managed to etch out a borderline Hall of Fame Career.  However, even with all that listed I would argue that Eric Staal remains the most underrated and underappreciated Carolina Hurricane of all time. 

Why?
Eric Staal's captaincy happened in the midst of turmoil. Having it given to him with the stripping of perennial favorite and current Canes Bench Boss Rod Brindamour's Captaincy in the middle of the 2010 season. Staal's entire tenure as captain was mired in a long and miserable playoff drought and a revolving door or coaches and personnel. However despite the continued losing Staal continued to put up solid numbers ( 70 pts a season average) . So much in fact one could argue that if it was not for Staal's consistency Carolina would have constantly been battling Edmonton for the worst record each year.

The lack of appreciation comes from the fact Staal followed two Canes legends Hall of  Famer Ron Francis, and future Hall of Famer Rod Brindamour in donning the Hurricanes "C". Leaving big skates to fill paired with a playoff drought often leaves Staal out in the cold when discussing Carolina Hurricanes greats. However, his 891 career points in 909 games in Carolina leaving him 2nd all time behind Ron Francis ( 1st if you eliminate Whalers Stats) make it hard to argue the impact he had on Hurricanes Hockey.

The Card
The card I have chosen to share happens to be my favorite card in my Staal PC. Usually I am not a fan of booklet style cards but this one caught my eye and I had to have it. The clean auto on the backdrop of the PNC Arena makes it very appealing and definitely holds a spot on my list of favorite cards in my collection.

As of right now The  NHL is on Hiatus for the Olympics and secretly this American Born Canes fan would love to see Eric Staal captain Team Canada to a medal in Beijing. Thanks for reading and Redvolution.

The Caniac Collector


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