Staal signed a below market UFA contract with the Wild in 2016 after a miserable (for him) playoff run with the Rangers as a 31 year old
Put up 3 seasons where he was in the top 2 Wild scorers and then resigned with them for another below market contract 3.25 x 2
Much was said of how he much playing for the Wild saved his career after his last few years in Carolina.
Really really hard to understand how the Wild would move him out unless he wanted out.
If there is not some underlying reason that Staal may have indicated that he had enough and wanted to move on it makes no sense at all.
If Staal did not initiate this move it will test the theory of treating UFA signings poorly making it harder for a team to sign future UFAs.
Staal was the most favorable to the team UFA signing that comes to mind.
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