Hurricanes go ‘Staal in’ for return to playoffs

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes aren’t content to simply build for the future. This year, they’re going Staal in.

This marks a big year for a small-market franchise that has made the playoffs just once since winning the 2006 Stanley Cup.

The Hurricanes are looking to take a significant step forward in coach Kirk Muller’s first complete season, and they spent some significant money during the offseason to help make that happen.

And no move — not even the signing of Alexander Semin — created more buzz than the blockbuster trade that reunited Eric Staal with younger brother Jordan.

The Hurricanes skated well in four months last season under Muller. He led them to points in 37 of 57 games.

Now they want to keep that up for an entire season.