Canes Help out the Franchise Player
Jul 1, 2009
It might have been Erik Cole's name in the headlines today as he re-signed with the Hurricanes for two years, $5.8(M), but it is the other Eric as in Staal that was the biggest winner. No single player benefited more from the deadline deal this past season to bring back Cole than his buddy Eric Staal. The face of the Canes franchise scored 24 of his 75 points in the final five weeks of the season after Cole was reacquired.
The two just click on and off the ice and its no surprise that Cole says he kept Staal in the loop throughout the process. He even texted shortly after it became a done deal. Needless to say Staal is very excited to have Cole back. Shortly after the deal got done, Cole joined us on 99.9 FM The Fan and talked about how he and Staal "compliment each other well" and the personal connection they have off the ice "translates onto the ice."
The 'Canes probably would not have made the run to the Eastern Conference Finals if it was not for Cole's return. Even on nights when he does not put up points Cole finds a way to contribute usually by creating space with his physical style of play. That it is that kind of selfless stuff teammates appreciate especially his friend Eric Staal.
